Labour MP to box with Tyson Fury over homophobic comments
A Labour MP has accepted the suggestion by Tyson Fury’s uncle that the two go head-to-head in the ring.
World Heavyweight champion Fury has refused to apologise for claiming that once homosexuality, paedophilia and abortion are all made legal, the world will end.
The boxer also claims to have “evidence” that paedophilia was legalised by a fictional ‘Gay Rights Act 1977’ – but the BBC has resisted pressure to rescind his Sports Personality of the Year (SPOY) nomination.
The MP for the Rhondda, Chris Bryant, had previously invited Fury to Parliament to have a cup of tea and a chat about his views.
But now that Fury’s uncle Paul has suggested the pair do a sparring session together, Mr Bryant has accepted.
In a letter in the Mirror, Mr Bryant wrote, in his official capacity: “Your uncle Paul Fury seemed to agree a meeting might be helpful when were on 5Live together last Sunday – he even suggested a we should do a training session together. As a former schoolboy boxer (when I was all of 12) I say bring it on! If you come to my workplace I’ll come to yours.
“I hope you’re up for this. Do let me know when is convenient for you if so. I can organise the meeting here in Parliament and hopefully we can give you a proper platform in Parliament to help get to the root of your true beliefs and ensure no young homosexual person feels any stigma or bullying because of your comments,” Mr Bryant continued.
Olympic track and field star Greg Rutherford has threatened to pull out of the BBC’s SPOY award if Tyson Fury remains in the shortlist.
As well as calling those who have signed the petition “50,000 wankers”, Fury has taken to Twitter – to claim he doesn’t want the award anyway.
The boxer wrote: “Hopefully I don’t win @BBCSPOTY as I’m not the best roll model in the world for the kids, give it to someone who would appreciate it [prayer emojis].”
However, he also added: “I’ve got more personality than all the other competitors put together in this years @BBCSPOTY who can compete with my sporting achievement!
“The Gypsy King, & the heavyweight champion of the world, will not be silenced I’ll always speak my mind, Like it or lump it, in Jesus name.”
Despite his comments, the BBC says it will not alter the nominations.
A spokesperson said: “The Sports Personality shortlist is compiled by a panel of industry experts and is based on an individual’s sporting achievement – it is not an endorsement of an individual’s personal beliefs either by the BBC or members of the panel.”
Last week a challenger to Tyson Fury’s heavyweight champ title warned him to watch his mouth.
BBC News presenter Clive Myrie, during a live newspaper review on the BBC News channel branded Fury a “dickhead” after checking that it was “after the watershed”.
