Controversial Fury to attend award show

London - World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury plans to attend the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award show despite the controversy over his nomination.

Fury is in the running to win the main award after the British fighter clinched the WBA, IBF and WBO titles in last month's stunning victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.

However, his comments comparing homosexuality and abortion with paedophilia, and saying a "women's best place is on her back" led to a petition calling for Fury's removal from the nominees for the awards reaching in excess of 130 000 signatures.

The BBC has been steadfast in its stance on Fury, with director general Tony Hall insisting he has been included on the list for his "sporting prowess".

Now Fury's promoter has confirmed the champion will be in attendance at the awards ceremony in Belfast this weekend.

Hennessy Sports said in a release: "Tyson Fury WILL attend this Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, despite weeks of controversy surrounding his nomination."