SAN FRANCISCO, December 02, (THEWILL) – British Heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury, has asked that he be removed from the Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) Award nominee list, saying he is the “people’s champion” and has “no need for verification or awards”.
The 32-year-old made the final six, that also includes snooker legend, Ronnie O’Sullivan, after his memorable win over American heavyweight boxer, Deontay Wilder, saw him claim the WBC title in February.
This year, Fury also gave his time to help keep his faithful followers fit during the protracted coronavirus enforced lockdowns with a continuous series of workout videos.
The self-styled “Gypsy King” who was O’Sullivan’s pick to win the award, has, however, asked to be removed from the SPOTY list. In a video on social media, he said: “This is a message for the BBC on their SPOTY award: Please take me off your list.
“I am the people’s champion and have no need for verification or any awards.
“I know who I am and what I’ve done in sport. The love of the people is worth more to me than all the awards in the world. So, to all of my supporters: Please don’t vote on this. Take me off the list.”
Cricketer Stuart Broad, jockey Hollie Doyle, F1 racer Lewis Hamilton, footballer Jordan Henderson and O’Sullivan make up the other nominations in the last six for the award.
The winner will be decided by public vote on Sunday, December 20.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
