Tyson Fury

Fury stunned the boxing world when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO crowns in November 2015.

He was stripped of the IBF title for failing to grant a fight against mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov and then twice withdrew from a rematch with Klitschko, before failing a drugs test and voluntarily vacating his WBA, WBO, and IBO belts.

On Monday Fury, whose licence was suspended in October 2016, claimed he plans to return to the ring in just over two months. 

"Breaking news. Return of the MAC. May 13th, working on an opponent, more news to follow," he tweeted on Monday.

The 28-year-old has not fought since beating Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion in November 2015, subsequently pulling out of a rematch twice.

He vacated his WBO and WBA belts last year, revealing he was seeking medical help, after telling Rolling Stone magazine that he had taken cocaine to help his depression.

Fury's licence was "suspended pending further investigation" by the British Boxing Board of Control.

RNZ reports Fury has twice pulled out of his rematch with former champion Wladimir Klitschko in the past 11 months, and recently admitted taking cocaine to deal with depression.

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is the number one contender in the WBO and is expected to fight Mexican Andy Ruiz for the title in New Zealand in the next few months.

IBF champion Anthony Joshua is expected to fight Klitschko for the WBA title in December.

The World Boxing Organisation issued the deadline this morning in a notice to Fury ordering him to demonstrate why his title "should not be vacated due to inactivity, breach of contract and performance enhancing drugs and stimulants."

RNZ reports Fury dethroned Wladimir Klitschko as IBF, WBA and WBO world champion by beating the Ukrainian on points last November in Germany, but has since cancelled the rematch twice for medical reasons.

Fury also faces a hearing into a charge for an alleged doping violation.

Fury last week pulled out of his proposed rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, scheduled for October 29, due to undetermined health concerns, sparking speculation he could be stripped of his belts.

It has subsequently been claimed that Fury failed a drugs test carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on September 22.

VADA declined to comment on the results of any test when contacted by Omnisport on Friday, but Fury caused a stir with an image posted on social media on Saturday.

It was announced last week that Fury's scheduled rematch against Wladimir Klitschko has been postponed for a second time, due to the Briton being "medically unfit" to fight.

Fury, who pulled off a major upset by beating Klitschko in Dusseldorf last November, was forced to initially delay the rematch due to an ankle injury.

A statement detailing Fury's current health issues is expected on Tuesday, but his uncle Peter has provided an insight into the 28-year-old's struggles - citing negative media coverage as a significant factor.

RNZ reports the fight was due to be held on October 29th in Manchester, having been originally postponed in July when Fury suffered an ankle injury.

"Tyson has this week been declared medically unfit to fight," his promoters Hennessy Sports said in a statement without elaborating.

"Medical specialists have advised that the condition is too severe to allow him to participate in the rematch and that he will require treatment before going back into the ring.

Fury was scheduled to defend the WBA and WBO titles he took off Klitschko last November on July 9, but the Briton cancelled the bout due to a sprained ankle.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Klitschko will get the opportunity to gain revenge for that surprise loss in Dusseldorf when he goes toe-to-toe with Fury in the Englishman's home city next month.

"I'm delighted that we can finally get the fight back on and in Manchester on October 29th," the defending champion's coach and uncle Peter Fury said.

Parker and Takam clash in south Auckland on Saturday night in an IBF eliminator with the winner getting mandatory rights to challenge for the belt currently worn by Britain's Anthony Joshua.

Fury holds two of the world belts - the WBO and WBA versions - after beating long-standing champion Wladimir Klitschko last year. The giant Brit is preparing for a rematch with Klitschko.

Parker takes on Carlos Takam on May 21 in an IBF title eliminator bout and Fury told Parker he should win it easily.

"Good fight for your ranking, but you will smash him," Fury said to Parker in a message.