Yesterday, there were calls for Tyson Fury to be banned from boxing following the emergence of an hour-long interview in which he espoused some abhorrently homophobic and antisemitic views.
Condemnation of Fury was swift, including by the Campaign Against Antisemitism. In a statement the CAA said that Fury's sponsors should withdraw their support for the 27-year-old. Fury is scheduled for a heavyweight title rematch with Wladimir Klitschko on July 9th.
Another to castigate Fury was Barry McGuigan.
Writing for the Mirror, the former featherweight world champion stated his delayed contentment that he had failed to bring the British fighter under his management umbrella. He also expressed his belief that Fury's remarks not only erode his own reputation but also that of boxing as a whole.
I think somebody up there likes me. I tried to sign Tyson Fury and failed. Lucky me.
Like a child, he has no filter, no off button. Kids have parents bringing them into line. No-one says no to Fury.
This is brazen attention-seeking, self evidently offensive, insulting, abusive and wrong.
If one of my fighters behaved like Fury he would be out the door.
I instruct my boxers to be humble, to make friends and treat people with respect. They have a responsibility to themselves, to their families, to the sport and to me. Fury just doesn’t get it. He is not only damaging his own reputation but boxing’s too.
Fury was quick to respond.
Not long after the publication of McGuigan's thoughts online, Fury tweeted the 55-year-old calling him a 'traitor'.
