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Nick Potts/PA Wire.
Entertainment

Tyson Fury cleared over gay comments

by Antony Bushfield

The world heavyweight champion faced criticism last year for appearing to link homosexuality with paedophilia.

Fury, a committed Christian who often refers to his faith, came under the spotlight for his personal views since he stunned Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA, IBF and WBO belts in November.

It followed an interview with the Mail On Sunday in which Fury said: "There are only three things that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home: one of them is homosexuality being legal in countries, one of them is abortion and the other one's paedophilia."

He later refused to back down on his comments.

AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Appearing on BBC Radio 2 he told Jeremy Vine: "Homosexuality, abortion and paedophilia - those three things need to be accomplished before the world finishes - that's what the Bible tells me.

"That isn't my opinion, I didn't say that, that's what the Bible tells me, and that's all I said.

"I didn't say I had a problem with homosexuals or abortionists or paedophiles, I didn't say I'm with it or against it, I just stated what I am taught through my scriptures."

The comments prompted an investigation by boxing's governing body.

Simon Cooper/PA Wire

The Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control interviewed Fury on Tuesday and agreed no further action should be taken.

In a statement the organisation said: "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."

In 2013 Fury was fined £3,000 for calling rival British heavyweight David Price and light-heavyweight Tony Bellew "gay lovers".

At the time the board said the comments were "unacceptable" and that the boxer had promised to "put a stop to it".

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