HOLD THE BACK PAGE:Heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury is learning the hard way that getting your hands on a championship belt owes as much to what goes on out of the ring as the punches thrown – and taken – in it.

The slick-talking pugilist had hoped to take another step towards a possible WBC title fight with a planned eliminator fight with Denis Boytsov in Belfast next month only for Fury’s camp to be informed the unbeaten Russian is “not in shape” to make the contest. It is “hoped” that the bout can be re-scheduled for next year.

The English-born Fury – with an Irish traveller background – had previously hoped to face Ruslan Chagaev only for him to opt for a face-up with Mike Perez instead.

There is still some white smoke for Fury. Vitali Klitshcko – who holds the WBC title – is increasingly focused on politics in Ukraine and is the leader of the main opposition party.

The WBC have announced that a fight in Venezuela next month between Chris Arreola and Bermaine Stiverne will now serve as an eliminator to find Kilischcko’s next mandatory opponent. Should the champ opt for full-time politics instead, it would open the door for Fury or Boytsov.

Door opens for Ulster’s Laverty as Biaggi calls time

No matter the adrenalin rush of winning, or of taking a corner at breakneck speed with leather burning off the tarmac, there comes a time when reality bites. And, for Italian Max Biaggi, a two-time winner of the World Superbike Championship, that time has come with the noble ambition to share more time with his family.

Biaggi, quoted in Corriere dello Sport, explained: “I’ve chosen to quit and, unlike others, it’s not because of physical issues or because I haven’t found a competitive bike . . . I believe I’ve missed enough time with my children and my partner already.”

Known as “The Roman Emperor”, Biaggi rode his first Grand Prix season in 1992 and, now, at the age of 41, has called time. But one man’s departure as the king of the track could leave the way open for another, in the form of his Aprilia team-mate Eugene Laverty. The Northern Irishman seems up to the challenge. “Never has there been a more important time to shine,” said Laverty.