Fury facing cocaine KO
WBO and WBA will strip him of the heavyweight belts because of his delay in defending them.
Fury, 28, has not fought since dethroning Wladimir Klitschko last November in Dusseldorf.
He withdrew from his October 29 rematch with Klitschko last Friday, with mental health problems believed to have been the reason.
Sample
But it has now been claimed he gave a positive ‘A’ sample on Thursday, September 22.
ESPN published a letter from VADA president Dr Margaret Goodman sent to representatives of Fury, Klitschko, the British Boxing Board of Control and the United States’ Association of Boxing Commissions on Thursday night.
The letter claimed Fury’s ‘A’ urine sample contained benzoylecgonine, and he has the right to request analysis of the ‘B’ sample.
Fury’s team are currently in an ongoing case with UK Anti-Doping over an alleged failed test in February 2015 for the banned steroid Nandrolone with a hearing due on November 4.
The Manchester fighter denies all wrongdoing but could still face a ban if found guilty.
World Anti-Doping Agency rules, which UKAD operate under, say athletes will not face bans for testing positive for cocaine out of competition.
Fury may escape a ban but the WBO and WBA do act on failed tests for cocaine out of competition.
The BBBC could investigate the findings if upheld and could haul Fury to a hearing in which he could lose his licence for a number of months.
Ricky Hatton lost his licence in 2010 after allegations of cocaine use and had to reapply for one when he wanted to return to the ring in 2012.
CAN Tyson Fury come back stronger if he beats his demons? The WBO and WBA heavyweight king had to postpone his scheduled rematch with Wladimir Klitschko on October 29.
It was not good news for BoxNation as we were excited about broadcasting the huge clash. Then reports emerged last night claiming Fury
(below) failed a VADA test for cocaine. Another blow for the fighter.
I am totally against performance enhancing drugs in sport.
Fury has obviously got problems and the primary concern is for his health with all that has gone on recently.
The big bruiser has not won friends over the last year for his controversial comments and some of his judgment is poor.
But he is the best heavyweight out there and it is a great shame he cannot fight.
He can be physically in good shape but he can’t compete if his head is not in the game.
It has been such a rollercoaster for him over the last year with winning the title, rematch delays and the drug allegations against him. I have no idea how it will all pan out but I hope he can get the treatment he needs and get back to his best as he is such a talented fighter.
How long he will now be out remains to be seen, so that will determine how much of an effect this all has on his career.
Claims
As usual everyone jumps on the bandwagon to criticise him, like Eddie Hearn saying, ‘He won’t fight again’, ‘He will be stripped’ and plenty else.
That is not for him to decide.
That is down to the governing bodies to consider when they see the medical report and also the claims from VADA.
In the meantime, Hearn should be focusing on getting an opponent for Anthony Joshua on November 26 as I believe they have yet to secure one.
People should wait until the dust settles on the Fury situation before passing judgment.