Fury at an all-time low, says uncle and trainer

The uncle and trainer of Tyson Fury says the world heavyweight champion is at an “all-time low” and seeking professional help, as the result of what he perceives as a “witch hunt” against him.

It was announced earlier this week that Fury’s scheduled rematch against Wladimir Klitschko has been postponed for a second time, due to the Briton being “medically unfit” to fight.

Fury, who pulled off a major upset by beating Klitschko in Dusseldorf last November, was forced to initially delay the rematch due to an ankle injury.

A statement detailing Fury’s current health issues is expected on Tuesday, but his uncle Peter has provided an insight into the 28-year-old’s struggles – citing negative media coverage as a significant factor.

In an interview with iFL TV, Peter Fury said: “When he won the world title, the way he was treated, he said to me, ‘I came back off the boat, I picked up the paper, expecting to be celebrated, and straight away the hate campaign started … there’s almost like a vendetta against me since I’ve won it’.

“I think that never pleased him too much and he’s said on many occasions ‘what’s it for? Because if I’m not being credited for the work I’ve done and the achievement I’ve achieved, why am I bothering’.

“Because of the witch-hunt against him and the recent allegations and everything else, I think it’s just put him over the edge. And he’s said ‘if this is what boxing’s doing, I don’t want it’.”

Fury, who has made headlines with a string of controversial comments, was provisionally suspended by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) earlier this year for allegedly producing a urine sample containing nandrolone, although the ban has since been lifted. The fighter strenuously denies taking any performance-enhancing drugs.

Peter Fury added: “It’s very disappointing for me because we’ve got a super talent here and whether it be himself or whatever you want to say, he’s been driven underground with it almost. So he’s at breaking point. He is seeking help, there will be a statement issued probably Tuesday and basically nothing means anything, so he’s at an all-time low.

“I think he’s always been a little bit up and down in the past. You know Tyson, he’s volatile, he always has been. But never like this. Because of the disrespect he’s had and the recent doping allegations and all this, he just sees it as a complete witch-hunt, why bother?

“It’s a catalyst of events, which has led him to almost breaking point. There’s only so much a man can take.”

Asked if he expects to see his nephew in a boxing ring again, Peter Fury replied: “Oh, 100 per cent. I don’t think it’s anything severe as far as anything that has got long-term effects – I just think he just needs a bit of time out, he needs to take the pressure off and he needs some medical assistance. I think he’ll be back and I think he’ll be okay.

“Tyson’s a deep thinker, he’s an over thinker at times and it’s just got on top of him.”