Tyson Fury threatens legal action against BBC if he is on SPOTY shortlist

The world heavyweight champion has had a long-standing issue with the BBC over the award, for which he has been nominated on a number of occasions

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Tyson Fury has vowed to take legal action against the BBC if he is named on the shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year award this year.

The world heavyweight champion is one of the most beloved sport stars in Britain, and has been nominated for the award on a number of occasions.

But he has had a long-standing issue with the BBC over the award since a petition was launched to have him removed from the running in 2015 due to homophobic and sexist comments.

He still finished in fourth place despite the protests, with fans voting in their droves after his first world title win over Wladimir Klitschko.

But Fury has insisted that the national broadcaster will be hearing from his lawyers if they attempt to nominate him again, even after his thrilling title defence against Deontay Wilder in October.

Speaking with the Telegraph, Fury said: “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.”

Fury believes that he doesn’t need an award to validate that he is the sports personality of the year, having entertained millions with his antics in and out of the ring over the last number of years.

Last year he also insisted that he didn’t want to be in the running, and could now go one step further to make sure that they don’t shortlist him again.

“We know who the sports personality of the year is anyway – it’s me,” he continued. “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 BBC will announce their shortlist for the prestigious award next week with tennis star Emma Raducanu the odds-on favourite to win.

Fury wasn’t even nominated in 2018, despite launching a phenomenal comeback having returned from three years out of the ring due to poor mental and physical health.

His impressive return culminated in an iconic performance against Wilder in the first of their three fights that December, where he heroically rose from the canvas to earn a draw after being viciously knocked down in the 12th round.

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Instead, cyclist Geraint Thomas won the prize, with Fury non-plussed about being snubbed for the ceremony.

“They wouldn’t give it to me and give me credit if I won 50 world title belts from the people who put it on, and I don’t care,” Fury explained.

“I should have won it three times already. I’ve got my wife and my kids. That’s all the awards I need. I’ll sue [the BBC] if they put me on.”

Fury is expected to defend his title for the second time early next year in a homecoming fight at a UK stadium, likely against Dillian Whyte.

Talks have begun for a potential step aside deal that would see Anthony Joshua allow him to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title, but as yet that appears unlikely.