Boxing
Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer 7y

Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury fails second VADA test for cocaine

Boxing

Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has once again tested positive for cocaine, according to documentation of the failed test obtained by ESPN.com on Wednesday.

It should come as little surprise, however, because Fury admitted in a lengthy interview with Rolling Stone this week that over the past four months, he has "done lots of cocaine. Lots of it."

Fury, who also said he has a drinking problem, is suffering from depression and has been having suicidal thoughts. He was scheduled to face former champion Wladimir Klitschko on Oct. 29 at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, Fury's hometown, in a rematch of his huge upset 11 months ago to win the title.

However, Fury pulled out of the fight on Sept. 23, one day after he submitted to a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association random urine test, which came back on Sept. 29 positive for benzoylecgonine, the central compound found in cocaine and the marker for a positive test for the banned substance and illegal drug.

But Fury had also been tested by VADA on Sept. 21, and on Wednesday, he was notified that his 'A' sample from that test was also positive for benzoylecgonine.

VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman sent Fury and others associated with the rematch a letter confirming the test results, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com.

"This letter is to advise you that the 'A' sample urine specimen number 4006217 collected from Tyson Fury on September 21, 2016, through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse," the letter said. "The results of the analyses are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains benzoylecgonine."

The reason that the results of the Sept. 21 urine test came to light after the results for the Sept. 22 test are because of variations in the shipping time it took for the samples to be sent from England, where they were collected, to a laboratory for analysis at UCLA in Los Angeles followed by the time needed to conduct the tests.

VADA, which Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) and Klitschko (64-4, 54 KOs) hired to oversee the drug testing in the lead up to the rematch, explained that in the letter.

"Please also note that -- due to varying shipping times -- laboratory results for earlier specimen collections may not be available until after the results of subsequent collections in some instances," the letter said. "Mr. Fury has the right to promptly request analysis of the 'B' sample at his expense. Please be aware that VADA does not adjudicate results nor determine whether sanctions are appropriate. As with all results, adverse findings are reported to the relevant commission(s) who may make such determinations. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions regarding this matter."

Fury could be stripped of his heavyweight title belts for the failed tests and could have his boxing license revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control.

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