Labour MP challenges champion Fury to go head-to-head over ‘slurs’

Tyson Fury during a homecoming event at the Macron Stadium, Bolton.

Fury won the world heavyweight boxing title last weekend but today he was heavily criticised by shadow leader of the House Chris Bryant over remarks he has made in the past relating to gay people.

Mr Bryant, who is gay, told MPs that, while Fury has been nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, he hopes he does not win.

Mr Bryant said MPs may well have been aware of the boxer’s comments.

“There are only three things, he has said, that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home,” the shadow leader said.

“One of them is homosexuality being legal in countries, one of them is abortion and the other one is paedophilia.

“Leaving aside the bizarre rather heterodox theology, this equates homosexuality with paedophilia.”

Mr Bryant said that is “profoundly offensive” and is the “kind of language that leads to more young people committing suicide”.

“I gather Mr Fury has subsequently said that some of his best friends are gay,” he said.

“So can I suggest that we invite him to Parliament some time in the near future because frankly I am quite happy to go head to head with him.”

Fury is set to face Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch next year.