Fury Stripped Of IBF Heavyweight Belt

Tyson Fury has been stripped of his IBF heavyweight title after refusing to face mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov next.

Fury took the IBF belt, along with the WBO, WBA and IBO titles, by beating Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf last month, and his next fight will be a rematch with the Ukrainian veteran.

The IBF insisted that Fury face Glazkov, making its stance public less than 48 hours after Fury's victory, much to the disappointment of his management team.

Peter Fury, the champion's uncle and trainer, said at the time: "If they want to take the belt from us in such pathetic and disgusting circumstances, that will result in a public and embarrassing display for the IBF, that's for sure.

"It's shocking news. I don't think the IBF know what's happening.

"When we did the Klitschko deal, they wanted a rematch clause, which is common practice when you're dealing in major world title fights.

"He's exercising that clause so there's nothing we can do to satisfy the IBF. Tyson has to fight Klitschko."

The IBF cancelled the purse bid for Fury-Glazkov on Tuesday and ordered the Russian to face Charles Martin (22-0-1 KO20) for the vacant title.

Martin had been due to fight Dominic Breazeale on Saturday in San Antonio, but ESPN reported that fight would be cancelled with the IBF title having been vacated.