World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury left ‘baffled’ by doping claims
British boxer was allegedly discovered with abnormal levels of anabolic steroid nandrolone before Wladimir Klitschko win
WORLD champion Tyson Fury is baffled by a story claiming he is under a drugs investigation and could be stripped of his belts.
The Sunday Mirror claims the self-proclaimed Gypsy King and his cousin Hughie Fury are both alleged to have had traces of a banned steroid in their systems in the build-up to Fury’s career defining win over Wladimir Klitschko in November.
Fury's team said: "We are baffled by today's story in the Sunday Mirror.
“Tyson Fury absolutely denies any allegation of doping. He looks forward to recovering from his injury and defending his titles against Wladimir Klitschko in October.”
Abnormal levels of nandrolone were reportedly discovered in samples taken from both heavyweights between February and March 2015 and both were informed of the ongoing investigation at a meeting in September.
The anabolic substance is produced naturally in the body but high levels can increase muscle growth. Both Tyson and Hughie Fury deny any wrongdoing.
Former Tottenham and Holland midfielder Edgar Davids was banned from the game for four months in 2001 for using the same stimulant.
The British Boxing Board of Control is apparently aware of the situation but will wait the inquiry reveals its findings before taking any action.
Fury has been an outspoken anti-drug campaigner, claiming in November that they were rife in his sport.
The 27-year-old said: “Boxing has a big problem with drugs. But it doesn’t bother me because at the end of the day it’s about determination.”
In April he also accused British gold medallist Anthony Joshua – who was handed his IBF title on a plate – of “looking like a pumped-up weight lifter out of his mind on drugs”.
Fury revealed on Friday he had been forced to postpone his July 9 rematch with Klitschko due to ankle injury sustained while running.
Hughie currently has a 100% record with 20 straight wins but the 21-year-old’s early career is being hampered by allergies and skin complaints that require medication.