Tyson Fury included on BBC SPOTY shortlist despite legal threat

Fury had threatened to take legal action if he was named on the SPOTY shortlist as he continued his row with the BBC

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Where does Tyson Fury’s win leave the world heavyweight scene?

Tyson Fury HAS been named on the shortlist for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award despite threatening to sue the broadcaster.

Fury maintained his status as the best heavyweight in the world with an 11th-round stoppage of Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight in October.

But he threatened to take legal action against the BBC if they included him among the contenders for their annual prize.

The broadcaster has ignored his warning, however, as they announced their shortlist on Monday.

Tennis star and US Open winner Emma Raducanu is the odds-on favourite to lift the trophy. Tom Daley, Adam Peaty, Raheem Sterling and Dame Sarah Storey are also on the shortlist.

Fury has had a long-running battle with the broadcaster which began in 2015 following his first world title victory over Wladimir Klitschko.

He caused controversy that year following a string of homophobic and sexist comments with a petition demanding his removal from the SPOTY shortlist attracting more than 140,000 signatures.

Ultimately Fury finished fourth behind Andy Murray, Kevin Sinfield and Jessica Ennis-Hill before apologising for his comments during the live show.

Fury was also included on the six-person shortlist last year before he threatened legal action if his name was not removed.

Should Tyson Fury have been included on the SPOTY shortlist? Let us know in the comments section

The BBC declined to do so and Fury finished sixth and last as Lewis Hamilton won the award.

And this year Fury told the Daily Telegraph: “It means nothing to me and I don’t need it or want it.

“In fact, they will hear from my solicitors if they do put me on the list. Give it to someone who needs it. I don’t.”

“We know who the sports personality of the year is anyway – it’s me. I am the sports personality. Who does what I do, goes through a war in Las Vegas, entertains the fans, and then sings to the audience?”

The winner of the award will be announced at the annual ceremony on Sunday.