Fury clears comeback hurdle as UKAD proceedings resolved

United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) has agreed to resolve the proceedings brought against former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who has moved a step closer to returning to competitive boxing.

The Briton stunned Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015 to win the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, IBO belts.

Fury had his licence revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) in October 2016 after allegations of anti-doping violations were made against him.

UKAD’s proceedings against Fury were based on the reported presence of elevated levels of nandrolone metabolites in urine samples provided after a fight in February 2015 and an alleged failure to provide a sample in September 2016.

Fury claimed he had never knowingly or deliberately committed an anti-doping rule violation and on Tuesday a UKAD statement read: “In recognition of the respective counter-arguments and the risks inherent in the dispute resolution process, each side has accepted a compromise of its position.”

According to UKAD, rule violations based on the reported presence of elevated levels of nandrolone metabolites have been upheld, but proceedings have been resolved on the basis that Fury has received a two-year period of ineligibility. His results from a fight against Christian Hammer in February 2015 have been disqualified.

However, given the provisional suspension Fury has already served, his period of ineligibility has been backdated to December 13, 2015 and will be lifted this week.

According to UKAD, the BBBofC has also agreed to the resolution, although the governing body is yet to comment on the potential reinstatement of Fury’s licence.

Fury has gained a significant amount of weight during his hiatus but is expected to attempt a comeback.

His likely target will be a bout with countryman Anthony Joshua, who defeated Klitschko in April to retain the IBF heavyweight title and capture the vacant WBA (Super) and IBO belts.

UKAD has also resolved its proceedings against Fury’s cousin, Hughie.