World heavyweight crown will not censor me, insists self-styled Gypsy King Tyson Fury
Britain's Tyson Fury is adamant that his new-found status as world heavyweight champion will not see him suppress his views and insists his controversial stance on social issues does prevent him from being a role model.
Mancunian fighter Fury sent shockwaves through global boxing by scoring a unanimous points decision over Ukrainian powerhouse Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.
The 27-year-old Christian earlier this month compared homosexuality and abortion to paedophilia, while in 2013 he was fined £3,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control for saying fellow fighters David Price and Tony Bellew were “gay lovers”.
“It depends what type of role model you’re after,” said Fury, who has won 18 of his 25 bouts by knockout. “If you’re after a yes man, it’s not me. If you want someone who knows what the world is like, then yes, they can look up to me.”
While speculation continues to rage over Fury’s next opponent – he has distanced himself from a showdown with former world champion David Haye – the self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ sees no reason why he should censor his views.
“It’s not going to change me. I am what I am,” added Fury. “Money, fame and glory doesn’t change a man unless he wants it to. That’s a fake person in my opinion.
“Anyone who can be changed by a few quid and some achievements is not a realist. I’m a boxer and I was one before I started. I’m still Tyson Fury and I’m still going to go and get in an old Land Rover.
“If people don’t like it, change the channel. That’s all I’ve got to say. I’ll be dictated to by nobody. I’m the man and if anybody can come and prove me wrong, their chance is inside a boxing ring.
“You don’t like it? Change the station. You don’t like it? Don’t take the photos. You don’t like it? Don’t print it in your newspaper. Do I care? Not really.”