Tyson Fury could bankrupt UK Anti-Doping with £8million-plus lawsuit
TYSON FURY could bankrupt UK Anti-Doping.
The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ has been banned since June 2016 for testing positive for a banned substance.
But now there are fears that were he to win a case for lost earnings, based on £5m a fight, that would severely challenge Ukad’s annual budget of around £8m.
Not to mention legal costs.
Fury and cousin Hughie were believed to have taken the anabolic steroid nandrolone.
But they claimed they ate uncastrated wild boar – which is naturally high in testosterone – and that was the reason for failing the test.
Two months later, Tyson gave up his world titles to focus on mental health problems and the British Boxing Board of Control suspended his licence “pending further investigation into anti-doping and medical issues”.
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A legal battle with Ukad over the evidence has meant Fury, 29, has not fought for two years since beating Wladamir Klitschko to become world heavyweight champion.
The BBC reports Ukad is believed to have sought guidance from the Government on whether it will effectively underwrite the case.
also understands Ukad – and then the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – don’t want to drop the case.
They are concerned about the effect such an action would have on integrity of the anti-doping process.
And it might send out a signal to sports stars that it is possible to draw out proceedings and effectively undermine the organisation charged with maintaining clean sport.
Much rests on a ruling” from the National Anti-Doping Panel, the independent body responsible for adjudicating on anti-doping disputes in UK sport.
NADP are studying an appeal against the doping evidence lodged by Fury’s legal team.
Their decision could persuade the controversial Irishman to sue for loss of earnings.
Fury, meanwhile, is discussing a return to the ring and has asked for authorities to “set me free” because he is “innocent”.
He has his eye on a couple of warm-up fights before taking on Anthony Joshua.
