Fury vacates WBO and WBA titles to deal with 'recovery'

Fury is unbeaten in 25 fights but has not fought since 29 November 2015

Tyson Fury has vacated his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles to deal with his "medical treatment and recovery".

The Briton, 28, has admitted taking cocaine to deal with depression and looked set to lose his boxing licence.

He has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 and has twice withdrawn from scheduled rematches.

"I now enter another big challenge in my life which I know, like against Klitschko, I will conquer," Fury said.

"I feel that it is only fair and right and for the good of boxing to keep the titles active.

He added: "I won the titles in the ring and I believe that they should be lost in the ring, but I'm unable to defend at this time and I have taken the hard and emotional decision to now officially vacate my treasured world titles."

In a statement, Fury's promoter Hennessy Sports said the decision would "allow him the time and space to fully recover from his present condition without any undue pressure and with the expert medical attention he requires".

Mick Hennessy said the decision was "heartbreaking".

Uncle and trainer Peter Fury added: "Tyson will be back stronger from this" and "will reclaim what's rightfully his".

What boxing authorities have said

WBO chairman Luis Batista-Salas had said Fury could lose his belt because of "inactivity, breach of contract and performance-enhancing drugs and stimulants".

The WBA president Gilberto Mendoza said Fury deserved a chance "to overcome this situation", but added the Englishman could ultimately lose his title.

There is an option that Fury can be declared as a 'champion in recess'. This means Fury is the mandatory challenger for the belt when he returns to the ring.

Fury is also facing a UK Anti-Doping hearing next month with reports claiming he tested positive for banned substance nandrolone in February 2015.

'None of us know what he is going through'

Trainer and uncle Peter Fury: "It's driven him to despair. I see him being back in the gym in March or April. He'll resume his career."

Billy Joe Saunders: "It is a big mistake, taking his boxing licence away. It is like taking food from a baby," he added. "He needs the licence to pull through."

IBF champion Anthony Joshua: "Tyson is a fighting man, a real talent and he is good for boxing in his own way. It's too easy to point the finger because none of us really know what he is going through."

Promoter Eddie Hearn has said a deal is "very close" for Britain's heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to fight Klitschko for his IBF belt and the now vacated other titles.