Tyson Fury is expected to relinquish his WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles on Tuesday as he undergoes treatment for depression, following his admission of cocaine abuse. The 28-year-old boxer, who defeated Wladimir Klitschko last November, hopes to be declared champion in recess, allowing him to fight for his belts once declared fit.
Fury's uncle and trainer, Peter Fury, told BBC Radio 5Live that the camp is happy for the titles to be freed up while his nephew is out of action. 'The titles should be freed up, let people fight for them, Wladimir Klitschko, whoever is in line,' he said. He added that Tyson should be made champion in recess, so he can reclaim his title when ready.
The British Boxing Board of Control is set to meet on Wednesday to decide whether to withdraw Fury's licence. Fury retired from boxing last week before backtracking hours later. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, he admitted to taking 'lots of cocaine' and expressed uncertainty about seeing the year out.
Peter Fury believes his nephew is improving after seeking professional help. 'He's been diagnosed with some kind of manic depression. He's looking at two or three months before he can get better again,' he said. He attributed Fury's struggles to a perceived lack of recognition after his world title win.
The relinquishment increases the chances of Anthony Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko in December for at least one of the titles, with Joshua's IBF belt also likely on the line.
