Tyson Fury insists he is not a drugs cheat

29 November 2017 04:24

Tyson Fury has admitted he may have been "a bigot, a sexist and a homophobe" - but insisted the allegation that he is a drugs cheat is a step too far.

The former world champion has signed with management firm MTK Global as he steps up plans to return after two years out of the ring.

But first he must win a legal battle with UK Anti-Doping, who announced he had failed a test for banned substance in 2016, leading to the withdrawal of his licence by the British Boxing Board of Control.

A provisional suspension imposed on Fury was subsequently lifted by UKAD, and a ruling on the case by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel is expected next month.

Fury, who linked homosexuality and abortion to paedophilia in an interview last year, told IFL TV: "Of all the things I've been called - a bigot, a sexist, a homophobe - I may have been those but the one thing I'm not is a drugs cheat.

"That's the worst a sportsman can be. I will not be forced to admit anything I have not done."

The 29-year-old won the world heavyweight title with victory over Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 but has not fought since.

He added: "This time I want to be myself, I don't want to play a character any more.

"I want the public to see me, the people's champion, the happy-go-lucky Tyson Fury. Not the confident, brash character to sell tickets

"I feel I have a story to tell, a massive one. The stuff I've been through, depression, mental health problems. It can help and inspire others. From rags to riches to rags again.

"From 18 stone to 27. From a clean living man to drugs and alcohol and back to the heavyweight world champion again. I hope the legacy and story I leave behind will help others in the future of what to do and not to do."

Source: PA