Tyson Fury's suspension from boxing could be a 'blessing in disguise', says trainer Peter Fury

Tyson Fury's suspension from boxing could be a "blessing in disguise". That is according to the 28-year-old heavyweight's uncle and trainer Peter Fury, who has revealed his nephew is being treated for "a form of manic depression".

Fury vacated his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles on Wednesday (12 October) and had his licence to fight temporarily revoked the day after, with the British Boxing Board of Control saying it was suspended "pending further investigation into anti-doping and medical issues".

In June, Fury was charged with a doping offence by the UK's anti-doping body, while the heavyweight has admitted to taking cocaine over recent months. But his uncle Peter thinks Fury's suspension could prove beneficial to his recovery.

"He now acknowledges that there is an issue. That's the start to recovery," Peter told BBC Sport. "But maybe it is a blessing in disguise he is taking some time out and getting this treatment, as it has been lingering on for quite a while."

He suggested, too, that the outspoken former champion could one day become a role model for people suffering with mental health issues. "It just shows people it can affect you no matter what you are," Peter reflected.

"If depression can affect the linear heavyweight champion of the world, it's a serious problem. How many young people do you hear about who have committed suicide down to depression? Depression is an illness."

Meanwhile, Fury has received support from his long-time rival David Haye, who has revealed he has also suffered from depression in the past. Haye – who twice cancelled planned fights against Fury – said the heavyweight's suspension could be a positive move in the long term.

"It's not self-inflicted, it just happens," Haye said of his own experiences with depression. "I had it in small quantities and there was nothing wrong with me. Physically I was in fantastic shape. I was undefeated, but found myself locked in my room for days at a time in the dark, not talking to anyone, turning my phone off.

"I don't know what caused it. For whatever reason I just laid in bed, under the covers, in the dark, shut the curtains, and stayed there for days."