Tyson Fury relieved not to be ‘pantomime villain’ of the heavyweight division after becoming cult hero
TYSON FURY is relieved to no longer be the "pantomime villain" of the heavyweight division.
Before Fury, 30, returned to the ring last June after a two-and-a-half year hiatus he was renowned for his outspoken views, trash talk and brash arrogance.
Finding himself in hot water for homophobic and sexists comments having become world champion in 2015, the Brit saw many fans turn their back on him.
But after a battle with personal demons forced him to relinquish his world titles in 2016, the Gypsy King returned last year as an advocate for mental health, quickly becoming a cult hero.
When asked by SunSport how it feels to be recognised as hero rather than villain, Fury revealed relief at "playing himself" in his comeback - rather than being a boxing "outlaw".
Fury said: “I’m still the same old person, I don’t change with fame or glory or money or anything, but the love from the fans is very important to me.
“I was an outlaw of boxing, I was the bad guy and always had to play that role but now in the comeback I’m just playing myself.
“And I think the fans have really warmed to it and really got to know me a lot more than they did before.
“This time it’s the man behind the mask rather than me acting all the time and putting on a pantomime villain show.
“I’m good at that role, but to be adored by the fans and loved and people wanting you to do well is a lot better feeling than people wanting you to get knocked out and people wishing bad things all the time.
“I’m seeing what the other side of it is like and I’m really enjoying it better, so I hope to keep going and keep moving forward in the right direction and keep inspiring people and keep winning.”
COMEBACK KING
After Fury dethroned Wladimir Klitschko of the unified heavyweight titles in November 2015, a fight against alcohol and drug addiction left the Brit 25st and suicidal.
With no ambitions to ever pick up a pair of gloves again, Fury contemplated taking his own life in order to end it all.
But after meeting trainer Ben Davison, and finding inspiration to get back on his feet, the pair made a comeback plan with their relationship blossoming.
Fury beat Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta on his comeback trail last year and despite largely outboxing Deontay Wilder in December, a contentious draw left the Brit without the WBC title.
Now with his Las Vegas debut against Tom Schwarz six days away, and a rematch with Wilder signed for next year, the Gypsy King remains ahead of his personal demons.
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He added: “It makes me feel very proud that my story can inspire others to get help and get better and become well again.
“I get inundated with messages and things on a daily basis with people thanking me for the help and all that and I’m just so proud that my journey and my story is inspiring other people to lose weight and to get well again.
“I’m so happy that I came out to the public with my mental health struggles and now people can see that no one is untouchable and no matter who you are, what you are or how big you are how tough you are mental health can bring you to your knees.”
- Heavyweight Tyson Fury takes on Tom Schwarz, live on BT Sport Box Office, Saturday 15 June. For more information go to
