The Gypsy King has threatened to sue the BBC
Tyson Fury has been nominated for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award despite threatening to sue the broadcaster if he was put on the shortlist.
The Gypsy King has enjoyed another successful year, solidifying his position as the best heavyweight in the world with an 11th-round stoppage of Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight in October.
However, he threatened to take legal action against the BBC if they nominated him for the annual prize.
Despite his request, the broadcaster has ignored his threat as he was included among the other contenders on the shortlist that was announced on Monday.
Emma Raducanu, who dramatically won the US Open in September, is thought to be the favourite to lift the trophy, with Tom Daley, Adam Peaty, Raheem Sterling and Dame Sarah Storey also on the shortlist.
Tyson Fury has been nominated for the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Tom Daley, Adam Peaty, Sarah Storey, Raheem Sterling and Emma Raducanu are the other five nominees. He previously threatened to take legal action against the BBC if they nominated him.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 13, 2021
Fury’s battle with the BBC has been ongoing since 2015, after he won his first world title with victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
After the Brit made homophobic and sexist comments, a petition was created that demanded his removal from the SPOTY shortlist – which gathered more than 140,000 signatures.
The 33-year-old later apologised for his comments during the live show as he finished behind Andy Murray, Kevin Sinfield and Jessica Ennis-Hill in the rankings.
It is not the first time that Fury has threatened legal action if his name was not removed, requesting to be ignored last year after he was included on the six-person shortlist.
The BBC refused to remove him from the line-up and he finished sixth as Lewis Hamilton won the award.
"It teaches you to relax and enjoy – and that's what fighting is about." @Tyson_Fury admits he had a few pints before the first Wilder fight and has been advising Tommy to do the same 🍻 #PaulFury pic.twitter.com/XKn1abCvn1
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) November 26, 2021
Fury recently told the Daily Telegraph: “It means nothing to me and I don’t need it or want it.
“In fact, they will hear from my solicitors if they do put me on the list. Give it to someone who needs it. I don’t.
“We know who the sports personality of the year is anyway – it’s me. I am the sports personality. Who does what I do, goes through a war in Las Vegas, entertains the fans, and then sings to the audience?”
The winner of the 2021 Sports Personality of the Year will be announced at the annual ceremony on Sunday.
Related links:
- Tyson Fury promises ‘swift knockout’ in Dillian Whyte fight
- Jake Paul sends fiery DM to Tyson Fury hours after brother Tommy pulls out of fight
- Tyson Fury threatens legal action against BBC if nominated for Sports Personality of the Year
