Fury fights for future after cocaine test claim

LONDON — Tyson Fury was fighting for his boxing future Friday after media reports said he had tested positive for cocaine and faced being stripped of his heavyweight title belts. The 28-year-old Briton had been due to defend the WBA and WBO world titles against Wladimir Klitschko in Manchester on Oct. 29, but the bout was called off last week for a second time for unspecified medical reasons. A spokesman for Hennessy Sports declined to discuss the cocaine claims, which were made by US-based broadcaster ESPN, which said that Fury tested positive after giving a urine sample on Sept. 22. Contacted by Press Association Sport, the spokesman said the beleaguered Fury camp would not be making a statement. ESPN reported Fury was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which is based in Las Vegas, as part of the routine agreed by both fighters before the fight. One attempt at a rematch with the Ukrainian Klitschko had already been abandoned because of an ankle injury sustained by the British fighter. — AFP