Tyson Fury escapes punishment for controversial comments

Heavyweight world boxing champion Tyson Fury. Photo / AP

Tyson Fury will face no punishment from the British Boxing Board of Control for his controversial remarks relating to women and homosexuals, but he has been reminded of his 'heavy responsibilities'.

Fury faced a backlash for comments he made before and after his upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko in November to capture the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles, as revealed during Oliver Holt's interview for The Mail On Sunday.

He was summonsed to explain himself to the BBBC, which has acknowledged Fury, who has since been stripped of his IBF title for unrelated reasons, has not broken any laws and is entitled to free speech.

A statement on Wednesday read: "Tyson Fury has made comments in the media that have caused offence to members of our society.

However, there is no suggestion that he has broken the law by exercising his right to freedom of expression.

"In such circumstances, the stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control have been advised that it cannot interfere with his basic human rights.

"Having said that, the stewards of the board have made it clear to him that as world heavyweight champion, arguably the holder of the most prestigious title in sport, there are heavy responsibilities upon him to avoid making controversial, non-boxing comments.

"He has assured the stewards that he understands the responsibilities upon him and has expressed regret that he has caused offence to others, which was never his intention."

- Daily Mail