Tyson Fury has launched legal proceedings against UK Anti-Doping over allegations that he took a performance-enhancing drug.

The 27-year-old world heavyweight champion was accused of using the banned substance nandrolone after traces of the drug were allegedly found in a urine sample from February 2015.

Fury's cousin Hughie was also charged by UKAD, prompting Team Fury to take the matter to the High Court.

Lawyer Lewis Power said in a statement: "The two boxers strenuously deny taking any performance-enhancing drugs. However, during the last five weeks, leaks about these charges have appeared in the press and both boxers have been the targets of continual abusive language on Twitter."

Power added that an interim ruling is expected ahead of Fury's rematch with Wladimir Klitschko in October.