With the furore around Tyson Fury’s inclusion in the shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year still raging, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have added to the outspoken boxer’s travails. In the knowledge that Fury has already agreed to a lucrative rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, they have opted to strip him of his IBF title.
IBF stripped Fury of title
The surprise points decision success for Fury over the heavily-fancied Klitschko was less than two weeks prior to the IBF’s decision. In one fell swoop he had claimed three versions of the world heavyweight crown (WBO, IBO and IBF) and the WBA (Super) title.
However, the IBF were insistent on the need for a fight against their mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov instead of a return payday with Klitschko.
A spokesperson for the leading boxing federation, Lindsey Tucker, informed BBC Sport that it was indeed true and that Fury had “been stripped of his IBF belt.”
Online petition gains strength
The 27-year-old Briton has been taking the objections to his ‘SPOTY’ nomination on the chin outside of the ring in recent days. After making insensitive sexist and homophobic outbursts in the wake of his unexpected victory over the younger Klitschko brother, an online petition seeking his removal from the list has generated over 100,000 signatures.
Manchester-born Fury has responded by stating that he has no interest in winning the BBC’s award, despite only being added to the twelve-strong list at the eleventh hour.
Maloney’s alternative suggestions
An alternative stance has been suggested by other observers, with boxing promoter Kellie Maloney (previously known as ‘Frank’ Maloney) preferring the public to simply not vote for him. Maloney added to the debate by recommending that the world boxing authorities should take action in the wake of Fury’s controversial comments concerning women and homosexuality.
Whilst enthusing about Fury’s abilities inside the ring, Maloney was less enthusiastic about his poor demeanour outside of it. She believed that the boxer’s actions had made him an inappropriate role model for youngsters to follow and could jeopardise future sponsorship options he may otherwise have gained.
Hate crime allegation
The public protest has become more sinister with an allegation having been lodged with Greater Manchester Police about a hate crime against the boxer.
They are investigating the claim and will be speaking with the victim to take a statement. The hate crime is thought to have resulted after comments had been made by Fury on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show concerning homosexuality.
