The news of Tyson Fury vacating his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles was expected this week after he had been given a deadline by respective boxing federations to answer why his title should not be vacated due to inactivity, breach of contract and performance-enhancing drugs and stimulants.
The Gypsy king released a statement: “I feel that it is only fair and right and for the good of boxing to keep the titles active and allow the other contenders to fight for the vacant belts that I proudly won and held as the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world when I defeated the long-standing champion Wladimir Klitschko,”
“I won the titles in the ring and I believe that they should be lost in the ring, but I’m unable to defend at this time and I have taken the hard and emotional decision to now officially vacate my treasured world titles and wish the next in-line contenders all the very best as I now enter another big challenge in my life which I know, like against Klitschko, I will conquer.” Fury added.
The decision regarding removal of Fury’s licence is expected to be announced on Thursday. Now that the titles have been vacated, it paves way for the Joshua-Klitschko mega fight in December. AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has also confirmed the rumors that the fight is very close to happening.
This fight will give Klitschko an ideal opportunity to take back his titles if he manages to defeat the Brit. For Joshua it will be a golden chance to record his name into the history books by becoming a new unified champion.
The IBF champion Joshua showed his support for Fury in wake of severe depression and substance abuse.
AJ said: “I’m not one of these people who say, ‘He shouldn’t have done that or he should do that.’ Everyone goes through their own problems, everyone has their own situations that they’re in.”
“You heard what I said, I hope he gets better, I hope comes back to doing what he does best, what he’s good at, and that’s fighting. Start making headlines for the right reasons again, and that’s really all I have to say on the subject.”
Joshua compatriot and former world heavyweight champion Haye believes the fight is a done deal. Hayemaker tweeted:
“Great to hear Joshua-Klitschko is done. Timing is everything & the time now is perfect for AJ. Reminds me of Ali Vs Berbick #FatherTime”
Indeed, if this fight happens it will be one of the biggest sporting event of this year. No question about it!
