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UKAD responds to Tyson Fury criticism over adjourned hearing

Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to become World Heavyweight Champion on November 28, 2015
Image: Tyson Fury is still waiting to find out whether he can resume his boxing career

UK Anti-Doping insists it is trying to resolve Tyson Fury's hearing "as soon as possible" following fierce criticism from the former heavyweight champion.

Fury is still waiting for a final ruling from UKAD on a suspended drugs ban after the hearing was adjourned in May and the 29-year-old appealed on social media for a decision on his future to be made soon.

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UKAD has issued a statement, suggesting that "various reasons" have caused the delay and the organisation are currently pursuing a new date.

Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko in action during their Heavyweight World title fight
Image: Fury has been absent from the ring since his world title win over Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015

It read: "In response to public comments made by Mr Tyson Fury, UK Anti-Doping wishes to clarify the status of the charges it issued against him and Mr Hughie Fury on 24 June 2016 (which charges were previously confirmed by UKAD in a statement).

"The proceedings to determine the charges against the athletes are taking place before the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP), which is responsible for adjudicating anti-doping disputes in UK sport. The NADP operates in accordance with its own procedural rules, and it is entirely independent of UK Anti-Doping.

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"From the beginning, UK Anti-Doping has pushed for resolution of the charges as quickly as possible and has invested significant resources in trying to achieve this. There are various reasons why, nevertheless, the charges have not yet been heard on the merits.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 08:  Hughie Fury of Great Britain and Joseph Parker of New Zealand face off in the rin at Copper Box Arena on July 8, 2017 in London
Image: Fury's cousin Hughie (left) will challenge WBO champion Joseph Parker on Saturday

"All parties are currently awaiting a ruling from the NADP tribunal on an application made by the athletes to exclude certain evidence. Once that ruling is received, the matter will proceed to a hearing on the merits. UK Anti-Doping is currently pushing for dates to be fixed for that hearing to take place as soon as possible.

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"It is therefore inaccurate to suggest either that UK Anti-Doping is failing to pursue these charges as quickly as possible, or that Mr Tyson Fury and Mr Hughie Fury are being treated differently to other athletes."

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