Tyson Fury's boxing career could be over after the former world heavyweight champion said on Wednesday he would not reapply for a licence to fight from the British Boxing Board of Control.
The 29-year-old, who has a 25-0 record, became WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO world champion when he beat Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 but has not fought since.
His licence was withdrawn "pending further investigation" by the British Boxing Board of Control last October.
He was also charged with a rule violation by UK Anti-Doping after a urine sample from February 2015 showed traces of the banned stimulant nandrolone. He has denied any wrongdoing.
"After thinking long and hard about my return I will not be applying for a BBBOC boxing license. After the way they have handled stuff. No thanks," the Briton wrote on Twitter.
Fury appeared to have retired last year, only to retract his statement before giving up his titles, saying he wanted to deal with mental health issues.
In March 2017, Fury suggested he could make a comeback and when compatriot Anthony Joshua beat Klitschko at Wembley the following month, the new world champion said he wanted to fight Fury, a challenge which was accepted on twitter.
IN OTHER NEWS: Jack Summers is convinced he’ll beat Manny Zaber all ends up as the two former sparring partners get set to fight in next month’s BCB’s Midlands Boxing Super Series.
Summers and Zaber meet at the quarter final stage of the competition at Walsall Town Hall on Sunday, October 15.
West Bromwich’s Summers and Zaber, from Old Hill, are stable-mates who will now become opponents on fight night.
Summers is the slight underdog with three points victories and two defeats as a pro with Zaber sporting a record of 10 points wins and one loss.
The contest has forced Summers out of the duo’s Wednesbury Boxing Academy base, with his preparation taking place at Anchor Gym in West Bromwich. However, as he looks ahead to the BCB Promotions show, Summers is confident of coming out on top.
“Me and Manny knew each other well,” he told bcb-promotions.com. “I feel I got the better of the spars and I think I’ll be too much all around for him on the night. He’s a fit lad, I’m expecting him to come forward and try to put me under pressure and I’ll relish that. I just think I’m on a different level to him. I know what his game-plan is, he’s expecting me to come in unfit and then tire after a couple of rounds, then he’ll catch me, but I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been.
Tickets for the show are on sale now, all priced at £35 and £60 ringside in advance with the latter including a light buffet. It will be £40 standard entry on the door.
For more information, call the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900. The show is sponsored by Grosvenor Casino Walsall, on Bentley Mill Way.