Tyson Fury's uncle and trainer, Pete Fury, admitted that the WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion will have to relinquish his belts but says he could be back in training within a number of months.
Fury pulled out of his rematch with Wladimir Klitschko which was scheduled for October 29 after suffering from depression and reports had circulated that he tested positive for cocaine.
The boxer defeated Klitschko in Dusseldorf last November but has not yet defended his title, having been forced to pull out of the original rematch in July.
"It's driven him to despair," said Peter Fury told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek.
"He has everything to live for but it seems he is on a self-destruct mission. I don't think he has got a drug addiction at all. Whatever he has taken will be a result of the depression."
Commenting on whether he thinks the titles should be vacated, Peter Fury said that if they are, Tyson should be able to compete for them once he returns.
"The titles shouldn't be held up. While Tyson is out for medical reasons, the titles should be freed up," his uncle said. "Let people fight for them.
"But Tyson should be held in regard so that when he does come back to box he should be available to move straight into position to fight for those world titles.
"Quite clearly this young man has got some mental issues and I ask the world to give this plenty of consideration. Other famous people have had these kind of problems and bounced back.
"I see him being back in the gym in March or April. He'll resume his career," added Fury's uncle.
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