Tyson Fury ends hopes of David Price showdown by vacating titles

Tyson Fury has vacated his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles to end the possibility of fighting long-term rival David Price.

Price became the mandatory challenger to Fury's titles when he knocked John McDermott out in 73 seconds to become the English champion and though many had anticipated them fighting in May, Fury insists he is ready to pursue a world title fight.

Fury, 23, said: "It's been an honour to have won and held both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, but as I'm now currently No 7 in the world it's time to move on.

"If Price really believed he could beat me the smart move in my opinion would have been to take the great pay day that was offered by my promoter [Mick Hennessy] to appear on terrestrial TV.

"I'm really excited about my future plans as I'm doing things differently and currently training like a Trojan in pursuit of becoming heavyweight champion of the world."

The news comes as a blow to Price and promoter Frank Maloney who had both been confident in securing the fight and about Price's ability to prove himself Britain's best heavyweight.

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