Sport

Tony Bellew pleads with Tyson Fury not to do anything 'silly' after retirement saga

Tyson Fury reversed his decision to retire three hours after announcing it on Monday 
Tyson Fury reversed his decision to retire three hours after announcing it on Monday  Tyson Fury reversed his decision to retire three hours after announcing it on Monday 

TONY BELLEW has pleaded with Tyson Fury not to do anything "silly" following his recent erratic behaviour.

Fury, the reigning WBO and WBA heavyweight champion, announced his retirement on Twitter on Monday before reversing his decision three hours later, insisting he was "here to stay". That came after more damaging headlines last Friday, when it was reported he had tested positive for cocaine, just a week after he withdrew from a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko because he was unfit to fight. Fury's camp have so far refused to comment on the cocaine allegations.

Bellew, who defends his WBC cruiserweight championship against BJ Flores on October 15, believes Fury is struggling with mental health issues and is concerned for his welfare: "I think it is very, very sad, he has got a mental illness, without a shadow of a doubt," the Liverpudlian said.

"I know Tyson and his father and his uncle. They are some very good people, who I know, honest men, straight people. I am not condoning what Tyson Fury has done. If this cocaine thing is true, then it is absolutely disgusting what he has done. He deserves a long ban.

"I feel for him at this moment in time, I really do. There are clear reasons why he is doing what he is doing and I can only wish him well and pray to God that he comes out on the other side of this safely. It's just sad, this lad is a father and husband. He has got people who care about him very much.

"His wife loves him, his children need him, I just hope that he comes home safe and does nothing silly because, in the frame of mind he is in at the minute, he's not stable and they are worrying times. He is doing a few foolish things, it is sad. I believe the media set out with an agenda the minute he became a rich man, they set out to destroy him and they have done it.

"He has contributed to a lot of that himself with the actions he has taken, the things he does on Twitter - it is stupid. He will look back at this when he grows up and he will be ashamed of himself. But ultimately, we need to put that on the back burner and get him what he needs, which is help. Don't snarl or turn your nose up to people with mental health problems."

Bellew comes up against Flores in front of his home crowd in Liverpool again and has promised to "render him unconscious". And the 33-year-old has his sights set on a match with long-time enemy David Haye, possibly next year, and is prepared to step up a division to get the fight on.

"I want mega fights. I want to fight the 'bitch from Bermondsey' as well, if that can be part of my plan," he said.

"Anything and everything is on my radar, never say never in boxing. I never thought I would see myself as a heavyweight, but if that's what it has to take to fight him, then so be it. I could make that step up no problem, he is the same size and build as me, but I've got more muscle. He is easier on the eye, aesthetically, but I am a bit prettier than him. I'd like to test my chin against his.

"It is something we can do next year, I suppose, but forget about all that for now, it's about October 15 and I have got a tough tie to come through against BJ Flores."