Tyson Fury is receiving professional help for issues that have arisen as a result of a “witch hunt” against the boxer, according to his uncle.
The WBA and WBO heavyweight champion was due to defend his belts against Wladimir Klitschko next month but was declared medically unfit to fight last week, meaning the rematch has been postponed for a second time after an ankle injury put paid to the original date in July.
Peter Fury, who is also his trainer, explained that his condition has arisen from what he perceives to be a flood of negativity that is driving him away from the sport.
“He is seeking help and there will be a statement issued, probably on Tuesday (tomorrow),” Peter Fury said in an interview with iFL TV.
“When he won the world title he said to me ‘I came back, I picked up the paper, I expected to be celebrated’.
“Straightaway, he said, the hate campaign started. He was complaining about it a lot but said ‘OK, we’ve got to accepted, I’ve won the world title and this is how I’m treated.
“On many occasions he’s asked ‘What’s it for? Because if I’m not being credited for the work I’ve done and what I’ve achieved, why am I bothering?
“When we were abroad in Holland we had various issues with him—he was snapping a lot, and although he was coming to the gym his mind was elsewhere some days.
“I think that, because of the witch hunt against him and recent allegations, it’s put him over the edge.
“He said: ‘If this is what boxing’s doing, I don’t want it.’”
The allegations in question involve a provisional suspension—since then lifted—from action by UK Anti-Doping for allegedly producing a urine sample that contained nandrolone.
Peter Fury says a combination of that situation and the negative attention he receives have conspired to damage
his health.
“There’s a lot to be answered for,” he said.
“It’s very disappointing for me because we’ve got a super talent here and he’s been driven underground with it, almost to the point that he’s at breaking point.
“He’s at an all time low. I think he’s always been a little up and down in the past, a bit volatile, always has been, but never like this. He just sees it as a complete witch hunt, and why bother?
“Everyone needs to look at what they’re doing, they’re doing a lot of damage to him.
“He’s a nice human being, Tyson, no matter what people say. He’s a gentleman to everyone and this is how he gets treated.”
Fury’s longer-term career is not thought to be in doubt. Peter expects him to return to the ring when his treatment has finished.
“100% (he will be back),” he said. “I don’t think it is anything severe in terms of long-term effects but he needs a bit of time out to take the pressure off, needs some medical assistance, and I think he’ll be OK.”