What are some of Tyson Fury's Shocking Statements: From Threats Against His Sister to Controversial Views on Pedophilia and Homosexuality
What are some of Tyson Fury’s Shocking Statements: From Threats Against His Sister to Controversial Views on Pedophilia and Homosexuality
Tyson Fury, the enigmatic British boxing champion, has always been a larger-than-life figure both inside and outside the ring. While his prowess in boxing is well-documented, his controversial statements and associations have often stirred public debate and outrage. Let’s dive into the intriguing world of Tyson Fury’s personal life, marked by headline-making remarks and connections.
In 2015, after clinching the world champion title, Tyson Fury’s past remarks came under intense scrutiny. He faced criticism for making statements that were deemed highly offensive. He was quoted as saying that he would “hang” his sister if she were promiscuous, a statement that drew widespread condemnation. Fury also made contentious comments in an interview leading up to his fight with Wladimir Klitschko. In this interview, he denounced abortion, paedophilia, and homosexuality, stating that the legalization of these behaviors would bring forth a Biblical reckoning.
Fury’s controversial statements didn’t go unnoticed, especially when he was nominated for the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Around 140,000 people signed a petition, arguing that his equation of homosexuality with paedophilia should disqualify him from the award. When questioned about the petition, Fury responded with religious phrases, which further fueled the controversy. Despite the uproar, he ultimately secured the fourth position in the SPOTY award, and during the ceremony, he offered an apology: “I’ve said a lot of stuff in the past, and none of it is with intentions to hurt anybody. I apologize to anyone that’s been hurt by it.”
Fury also faced backlash for his comments on bestiality, transgender individuals, and a statement about “Zionist Jewish people who own all the banks, all the papers, all the TV stations” in a May 2016 interview. The interview was later deleted, and Fury issued an apology, emphasizing that he meant no harm or disrespect and acknowledged the heightened media scrutiny.
While Fury was previously known for his attention-grabbing antics, such as arriving at press conferences in a Lamborghini or wearing a Batman costume, he later decided to change his public persona. After his hiatus from the sport, he expressed his desire to no longer “play a character.” He revealed his personal struggles, including depression and mental health issues, and hoped that his journey could inspire others. Fury’s transformation from 18 stone to 27, from a clean-living lifestyle to struggles with drugs and alcohol, and back to becoming the heavyweight world champion, is a powerful narrative he wants to share to help and inspire others.
Despite vowing to rein in his entertaining behavior, Fury’s vibrant personality remains a central aspect of his public image. Promoter Bob Arum even likened him to Muhammad Ali in terms of charisma. Fury’s openness about his mental health struggles, especially after his return to the ring and remarkable performance against Deontay Wilder, has earned him the nickname “The People’s Champion.” He is now an ambassador for former British world champion Frank Bruno’s mental health charity, The Frank Bruno Foundation.
In June 2020, Fury publicly acknowledged Daniel Kinahan’s role in brokering a potential fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. This association with Kinahan, however, drew significant controversy. In 2018, an Irish High Court judge labeled Kinahan as a senior figure in organized crime on a global scale, despite his lack of prior criminal convictions. The Irish government expressed its outrage over Kinahan’s involvement in organizing the proposed fight.
On June 24, 2020, it was announced that Fury had parted ways with Kinahan as an advisor. Yet, in June 2022, Fury faced another setback when he was denied entry to the United States, reportedly due to his links with Kinahan, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his personal life.
Tyson Fury’s personal life has been marked by controversy, remarkable transformations, and unexpected alliances. As one of the most polarizing figures in the world of boxing, he continues to captivate and provoke discussion, both inside and outside the ring.
More UFC news
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates