TYSON FURY is yet to have his suspension lifted by the British Boxing Board of Control after invitations from General Secretary Robert Smith to start the process were ignored by the former world heavyweight champion.
Inactive since dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, 29-year-old Fury is widely expected to make his return this year after UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) stated he would be allowed to fight again following a backdated two-year ban for testing positive for the steroid nandrolone.
“I have not had any contact with Tyson since the UKAD decision,” the Board’s General Secretary Robert Smith told Boxing News.
“I spoke to [Fury’s promoter] Mick Hennessy before Christmas because I wanted to get the situation resolved, but I’ve heard nothing since.
“It is disappointing, and I don’t understand the logic of not coming into the office. Despite what he’s saying about coming back, nothing has moved on at all.”
Fury lost his licence in 2016 after he tested positive for cocaine, a drug he claimed he was taking for recreational purposes after a struggling with depression. The Board had hoped to meet Fury – who is reported to have lost four stone since getting back in the gym – to start the process of getting his licence reinstated.
Smith, who confirmed Fury “might” be subject to random testing if and when he approaches them to fight again, added: “Before he can get his suspension lifted and fight again, we need to talk to the man.
“We need to assess his mental health, we need to see what he’s like and after that, we can advise him on what is required before he is permitted to fight again under a British licence.”
