Tyson Fury has officially been stripped of his last heavyweight title belt by Ring Magazine.Although he has not fought since the end of 2015, Fury still occupied the belt, but he had been set a deadline of January 31 to confirm an opponent for his comeback to the ring.But he failed to meet that deadline, meaning the Ring Magazine belt is now vacant.In announcing the news earlier on Thursday, The Ring issued the following statement: "We at THE RING would like to make it clear that this decision had not been taken lightly."THE RING championship belt is the closest representation to a lineal champion in the sport today, and Tyson Fury was extremely proud to be part of our heavyweight history."We deeply regret separating from the lineal championship and we would hope that fans appreciate our reasons for giving Tyson every opportunity over the past two years."We wish our former champion the very best for the future and we will be happy to re-rank him when appropriate."

TYSON FURY RESPONDS

Although the Mancunian would undoubtedly have been unhappy with the news, Fury showed great class when reacting to the news on Twitter.

"Just like to thank the @ringmagazine for being so patient with me over the last few years," the 29-year-old wrote.

"This will be the first time since 1922 that The Ring magazine will split from the heavyweight lineage. Tyson Fury always setting precedences."

Kudos to Fury. He may divide opinion, but this was a classy reaction.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE BELT?

At the moment, it is unclear of whom will next occupy the belt. Although a successor has not been named, The Ring confirmed that the title would not be up for grabs when Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker fight in late March.

"For the record, the vacant RING heavyweight championship will not be on the line in the IBF, WBA and WBO title unification bout between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, which takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on March 31," The Ring continued. "Joshua and Parker are rated No. 1 and No. 3 by THE RING respectively.

"There have been occasions when a vacant RING championship has been contested between No. 1- and No. 3-rated contenders. However, after careful consideration, we do not feel Joshua-Parker qualifies.

"At this time, THE RING ratings panel unanimously believe that Deontay Wilder is the second-best heavyweight in the world on merit."