Share

Fury summoned before British Boxing Board

London - Tyson Fury has been asked to attend a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) hearing to explain his controversial recent media comments, the organisation announced on Thursday.

Fury, 27, has been accused of homophobia and sexism since dethroning longstanding world heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf at the end of last month.

It has provoked a storm of criticism and after meeting on Wednesday to discuss the matter, the BBBC has summoned Fury to appear before it in the new year.

"Mr Fury has been called for an interview in the new year," BBBC general secretary Robert Smith told Britain's Press Association. No date has yet been set for the meeting.

Over 130,000 people have signed a petition calling for Fury to be removed from the shortlist for the BBC's prestigious Sports Personality of the Year award.

He is also being investigated by Greater Manchester Police after a member of the public reported him for committing a "hate crime".

In a BBC radio interview this week, Fury said: "Homosexuality, abortion and paedophilia -- them three things need to be accomplished before the world finishes. That's what the Bible tells me."

Fury has also been accused of sexism after stating that a woman's place was "in the kitchen and on her back".

But in an interview with Sky Sports News broadcast on Thursday, Fury denied that he was sexist or homophobic.

"I'm not a homophobe, I'm not a sexist, I'm not any of those," he said. "I'm not a bigot, I'm not a racist, I am a gypsy. I've (had people) being racist towards me for the past 27 years.

"You don't hear me complaining about it, do you? I don't write any newspaper articles about it.

"If the police are going to waste the taxpayers' money in investigating Tyson Fury for being hated then that's just a joke. It's a waste of taxpayers' money."

Fury won the WBA, IBF and WBO belts against Klitschko, but has been stripped of the IBF belt for granting Klitschko a rematch instead of facing mandatory International Boxing Federation challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE