Tyson Fury divides opinion like few other sportsmen.
The controversial boxer’s historic victory over Wladimir Klitschko to win the world heavyweight championship rocketed his profile to a whole new stratosphere, and with it brought far greater scrutiny.
Many have accused the 27-year-old of homophobia, an accusation that Fury vehemently denies.
But one new fan has changed his opinion of the boxer after a colourful encounter in a pub in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire.
Picture Exclusive: Tyson Fury kisses a gay man to prove he's not homophobic https://t.co/GihQ0kKWKT pic.twitter.com/tZn5Xv1Opb
— The Sun (@TheSun) December 16, 2015
The Sun report that Paul Cole confronted Fury and told him: “I can’t stand you”, in reference to the pugilist’s comments about gay people.
Fury told Cole he wasn’t homophobic and in the shop manager’s words “suddenly rubbed my beard and kissed me on both cheeks.”
“I’ve changed my mind about him. He’s a big friendly giant who’d float my boat if he was gay,” continued Cole.
Others will perhaps need more convincing.