Tyson Fury claims he is the most controversial heavyweight world champion since Muhammad Ali
Self-styled Gyspy King believes he is now as notorious as America’s one-time public enemy No1
Tyson Fury believes he has succeeded in becoming the most controversial heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali.
The traveller has come under fire for his Old-Testament views on homosexuality and his sexist comments regarding women.
The fighter’s father, John, claimed on Wednesday that the preferential coverage he believes fellow British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and David Haye get ahead of his son is down to racism against his family’s gyspy community and not a general distaste for their unsavoury beliefs.
But Tyson claims the controversy he has whipped up has been pre-planned in order to recreate the same level of notoriety that once made Ali the most hated man in America.
When Ali became a follower of the Nation of Islam he promoted racial segregation and claimed white men were devils responsible for spreading homosexuality.
When asked on ITV4’s Boxing Mavericks whether he regretted offending people, Fury said: “Well, my aim was to become the most controversial, most outspoken heavyweight champion since Muhammad Ali before I won the title, and I do believe I’ve achieved that.
“Life is too short for regrets my friend, and everything that has happened in the past is history. I look forward the future, I don’t look at the past.
“I play the pantomime villain, and that’s my role. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I am a fighting man, that’s what I do. That’s what I’m born and bred and destined to do. What you see is what you get.
“There’s never been a heavyweight champion like me, there’s never been a boxer like me. Ever.
“Love me or hate me, people are still going to watch me.”
When asked how he feels the British public view him, Fury added: “I’ve no idea. Maybe a tall, dark and handsome rogue who can fight like hell.”
The Boxing Mavericks ITV 10pm Thursday.
