Tyson Fury’s future in doubt amid cocaine allegations

Tyson Fury is facing fresh questions about his boxing future as his promoters refused to comment on reports the world heavyweight champion has tested positive for cocaine.

A spokesman for Hennessy Sports declined to discuss the claims, which originally came from ESPN. When contacted yesterday, the spokesman said the Fury camp would not be making a statement.

The US-based sports broadcaster reported Fury tested positive after giving a urine sample on September 22.

Fury had been due to fight Wladimir Klitschko in Manchester on October 29, defending the WBA and WBO heavyweight belts he took off the Ukrainian last November.

One attempt at a rematch had already been abandoned because of an ankle injury sustained by Fury, and his management cited medical reasons behind the latest cancellation, in an announcement on September 23.

A source close to the planned fight said he had been informed “traces” of cocaine were found in Fury’s system. The 28-year-old fighter’s camp would not confirm that.

ESPN reported Fury was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which is based in Las Vegas, as part of the routine agreed by both fighters before the fight.

VADA, which states on its website it specialises in testing competitors from boxing and mixed martial arts, said it does not release results of samples unless at an athlete’s request when contacted regarding Fury.

ESPN reported it had seen a letter from VADA president Dr Margaret Goodman that it said was sent to both fighters plus the British Boxing Board of Control and the USA Boxing Commissions.

It stated that the letter read: “This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 4006253 collected from Tyson Fury on September 22, 2016 in Lancaster, England through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analysed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse.

The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains benzoylecgonine.

“Mr Fury has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense.”

Benzoylecgonine is a metabolite of cocaine.