Tyson Fury has bared his soul regarding his much-publicised battle with depression but insists he has overcome his personal demons and is "on a mission to put the record straight".
Fury last October surrendered the world heavyweight titles he won by beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 in an effort to focus on his mental health problems.
He subsequently had his licence temporarily revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control and has not fought since that unanimous decision win over the Ukrainian for the WBA, IBF and WBO crowns.
In a candid Twitter post on Friday, he revealed there have been occasions where he did not want to go on living and turned to drink and drugs in an effort to cope.
On the eve of Anthony Joshua's world heavyweight title showdown with Klitschko at Wembley, Fury wrote: "I have had the highest of success in my life,& the lowest of lows to the point of not wanting to live.
"I hit the drink & drugs trying to find a way out but it didnt help. I ballooned in weight. Was very sad every day for almost 2 years. But with the help of god I have made a massive turn around."
Fury, who last month announced he weighed 25 stone, is now back in training and videos of him sparring on a camp in Marbella have been posted on his Twitter account.
The 28-year-old, still widely recognised as the man to beat in boxing's blue riband division after dethroning Klitschko, is eyeing a comeback on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders' WBO middleweight title fight against Avtandil Khurtsidze in London on July 8.
He added: "Back training on a mission to put the record straight.i want to make my family friends & fans proud again.
"I'm sorry I let everyone down It will never happen again, if I can change & beat my demons so can you I'm living proof any1 can come through the worst times in our lives, no matter what we must battle through."
"I'm hear to help others like they helped me. All the best your champ Tyson2fastfury."
One stumbling block to Fury's return is his BBBoC suspension "pending further investigation into anti-doping and medical issues'', a matter which is yet to be concluded .
Source: PA
