BOXER Tyson Fury has been forced him to postpone next month's rematch with Wladimir Klitschko after spraining his ankle while running in the Lake District.

Fury, from Morecambe, was due to defend his WBA and WBO heavyweight belts on July 9 against the Ukrainian, who he dethroned in 2015.

But Fury posted a message on his Instagram account today (Friday) revealing a badly-sprained ankle will put him out of the highly-anticipated bout.

"About ten days ago I was running in the Lake District and went over on my ankle," said Fury.

"I've had x-rays and MRI scans and they said it's not broken but badly sprained and to keep off it for six or seven weeks.

"I tried to still train a bit, but I had a second opinion a week later and had the same advice, so the fight will be postponed.

"Sorry to all my fans to let you all down, but injuries do happen and it's one of those things. Apologies to everyone who's booked dates, but the fight will be on as soon as possible.

"That's all I know at the moment, but the fight's still going ahead. As soon as the ankle's better we will reschedule."