WBC President Backs Tyson Fury
On February 22, Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21 KO’s) brutally defeated Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KO’s) in order to usurp his WBC world heavyweight title. Shortly after the victory, Fury found himself slathered in controversy regarding his inexplicably flopping left glove. The left glove was later revealed to be an issue in the first Fury v Wilder dust-up as well. Yet, before the matter with the gloves could be put to bed, the Gypsy King was hit with more allegations.
WHEN THE FARMER FLIPPED
This time Fury was accused by Martin Carefoot, a farmer in the UK, of lying about a failed drug test. Carefoot was alluding to the 2015 drug test that Fury failed ahead of his showdown with Christian Hammer. However, the results were not made known until after the Gypsy King’s historic prizefight with Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (64-5, 53 KO’s). When the scandal initially hit, the newly crowned WBC heavyweight champion claimed that the failed test came as a result of eating tainted wild boar meat.
Shortly after the failed test became public knowledge, Fury stepped away from the sport for an extended period of time. Upon his return he and UKAD, the doping agency that caught the infraction, struck a deal to backdate his suspension two years which allowed him to continue his career without a hiccup. Now with the glove issue still very fresh, along with Carefoot’s claims, Fury has never been under so much scrutiny.
WBC REMAINS LOYAL TO FURY
Despite the rising circumstantial evidence, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has come forward to confirm his unshakable support of Fury. The Gypsy King has had inexplicable issues specifically with his left glove in three separate bouts (Wilder twice and Christian Hammer), and also popped dirty for cocaine and nandrolone. Still, Sulaiman remains a staunch supporter.
As he explained to World Boxing News, Carefoot has no credibility in his eyes and therefore his allegations should be forcefully dismissed. Since Carefoot openly admitted that he was willing to take money to lie on Fury’s behalf, Sulaiman feels it would be foolhardy to accept his account on blind faith. However, at the same time, it will be equally silly to simply dismiss his claims without further research.
“I have little knowledge of the allegations, but I wonder what credibility such person could have when he claims wrongdoing when it was him doing it! He has admitted to receiving the money to lie. In my eyes, he has zero credibility.”
“Fury is our champion and we are proud of him overcoming his problems. Furthermore, he has tested negative in countless Clean Boxing Program tests. Therefore, he remains our champion.” ~Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC President
THERE IS SMOKE, BUT IS THERE FIRE?
According to Carefoot, he was approached by members of Fury’s team and even submitted paper work that was ultimately turned over to the anti-doping committee that was investigating Fury’s case. If he truly did in fact submit paper work, then there is instantly some level of validation to his story.
Fury’s co-promoter, Frank Warren, of Queensbury Promotions, maintains that Fury never met Carefoot, which could be true. Yet, if Carefoot has official paperwork attached to the Gypsy King’s doping investigation, the first question would be, “why?” Should said paperwork exist, it invalidates the case that Carefoot is just some Johnny-Come-Lately looking to squeeze Fury for money. That alone would prove that Team Fury had been in contact with him, soliciting further investigation.
Obviously, Fury’s promoters and the WBC all have a financial stake in this matter. Their interests lie in wanting the Gypsy King validated of this current would-be scandal. So their jumping to his defense is of little surprise. Whether or not Sulaiman or the Team Fury are on board or in agreement or not, UKAD will reopen an investigation on the matter to further look into Carefoot’s statements.
If he is found to be guilty of doping and conspiring to pay Carefoot to deceive UKAD, Tyson Fury could face up an 8-year ban from the sport of boxing. It will be very interesting to see how this potentially detrimental, and very sticky situation plays out.
By: Bakari Simpson
