Boxing: Tyson Fury makes light of cocaine reports in tweet

American media outlet ESPN reported that Fury (above, in September 2016) had tested positive for cocaine use. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (AFP) - Embattled world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury appeared to make light of reports he has tested positive for cocaine in a Twitter post on Saturday (Oct 1).

Fury's camp are yet to comment on the report by ESPN, but the Briton tweeted a picture of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino in the film Scarface, sitting at a table with a pile of cocaine in front of him.

Fury imposed his own face onto the picture, which he captioned "#Tysonmontana", and changed his Twitter name to "TONYMONTANA".

American media outlet ESPN reported that Fury tested positive after providing a urine sample to Las Vegas-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) in Lancaster, England, on Sept 22.

Fury had been preparing for a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, which has now been cancelled.

Cocaine, while an illegal drug, is not banned in boxing if taken out of competition.

Fury was due to fight Klitschko in Manchester on Oct 29, almost a year after winning the WBA and WBO belts against the Ukrainian last November.

Fury, the self-styled "Gypsy King", also won the IBF belt in that fight, but had to forfeit it after failing to fulfil a mandatory bout.

A previously scheduled rematch, set for July 9, was scrapped after Fury sustained an ankle injury.

Reports suggest Fury could be stripped of his belts due to his lack of activity.

Following the cancellation of the July 9 fight, it emerged that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had charged Fury and his cousin, Hughie, with a doping offence. They deny wrongdoing.

The sample, taken nine months prior to Fury's sensational victory over Klitschko, contained traces of the banned substance nandrolone.

Fury was provisionally suspended, but his ban has since been lifted and his legal team have threatened legal action against UKAD. He is due to face a hearing in November.

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