World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury is back in the headlines as he announced the end to his troubled 11-month reign atop the sport as the British pugilist said he will vacate his WBO and WBA titles “to fully focus on his medical treatment and recovery” for an unspecified condition.
The 28-year-old has not defended his titles since causing one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport by beating Wladimir Klitschko in November last year and has since admitted to heavy drinking and taking cocaine to battle depression.
Fury has twice called off a fight against Klitschko, in July because of an ankle injury and then last month for an unspecified ailment. The enigmatic and undefeated boxer also briefly retired earlier in October, only to abruptly reverse the decision hours later.
This time he says he is officially vacating the titles but hopes to come back after dealing with his issues outside of the ring.