Tyson Fury able to box again providing former champion passes medical

Fury was able to apply for clearance to resume fighting after accepting a backdated two-year suspension issued by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) last month in the wake of testing positive for nandrolone.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) met with Fury on Friday morning and decided that should he pass the necessary health checks, he will be allowed to box again.

“Following interview with Tyson Fury at the BBBC offices, the suspension of his boxer’s licence will be lifted subject to receipt and clearance of all medical requirements,” a statement read.

The decision edges Fury close to a mouthwatering domestic showdown with reigning IBF and WBA world champion Anthony Joshua.

Joshua is open to a fight between the British rivals later this year but has demanded he first prove himself in a comeback fight.

Fury and his cousin Hughie tested positive for nandrolone in February 2015 but were not charged by UKAD until June 2016, by which time Tyson Fury had beaten Wladimir Klitschko to become undisputed champion.

The 28-year-old has not fought since, a period of inactivity that casts doubt over whether he can become world champion for a second time.

Joshua faces a unification fight against WBO champion Joseph Parker in Cardiff on March 31 – a fight he is expected to win to set up a clash with Deontay Wilder, who holds the WBC portion of the world heavyweight title.

Where Fury fits into the plan remains to be seen and he must continue to shed weight if his comeback is to be credible, but Joshua will consider him only once he has fought again.

“People need to remember that before the Klitschko fight, Fury wasn’t regarded as an exciting fighter,” Joshua said on Tuesday. “It’s his talking and the adversity he’s faced recently that have gained him the respect.

“He struggled to sell out the Manchester Arena when he fought Klitschko. People say he’s the man, but I don’t think he is.

“I’m a bit bored of Fury’s talking, I just want to see him back in action. When I won the title I stayed active and progressed, he didn’t.”

Fury has won all 25 of his professional fights in a record that includes 18 knockouts.