Fury suspended by UKAD over doping charge since June

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has revealed world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has been serving a provisional suspension over the “presence of a prohibited substance” since June.

Fury had been due to contest a re-match with Wladimir Klitschko on July 9, but announced the bout would be postponed due to an ankle injury on June 24 – the same date UKAD says he was charged.

At the time, Fury denied newspaper allegations he was being investigated for doping, with the Sunday Mirror claiming the WBA, WBO and IBO belt holder was being probed after testing positive for banned anabolic steroid nandrolone in a sample taken prior to dethroning Klitschko last November.

It was alleged by the newspaper that the Briton could be stripped of his titles and hit with a lengthy ban.

It emerged this week that Fury – along with cousin Hughie Fury, who was also charged – intends to take legal action against UKAD, prompting the anti-doping body to release a statement.

“In response to public comments made by Tyson and Hughie Furys’ representatives, UK Anti-Doping can confirm that both boxers were charged on 24 June 2016 with presence of a Prohibited Substance,” it read.

“Mandatory Provisional Suspensions were imposed pursuant to Article 7.9.1 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules.

“The UK Anti-Doping Rules allow athletes to challenge the imposition of a Provisional Suspension and the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) today lifted the athletes’ suspensions, pending full determination of the charges. These charges will be heard at a hearing before the NADP in due course.

“UK Anti-Doping will not comment further on the case until due legal process has been completed.”

Fury’s second clash with Klitschko was rearranged for October 29.