Tyson Fury's promoter 'sickened' by article about boxing star before Oleksandr Usyk defeat - 'A disgrace'
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Frank Warren rages over Tyson Fury article
Tyson Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has revealed he was left 'sickened' by an article describing the boxing star as a 'thug' before his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month.
The 36-year-old lost via unanimous decision at the Kingdom Arena, with Usyk maintaining his 100 per cent record as a professional in the process.
Before the bout, a journalist wrote an article describing Fury as a 'thug' - despite everything he's achieved both in and out of the ring.
And Warren has now revealed he was 'sickened' by the piece, which he also describes as a 'disgrace'.
Boxing news: Tyson Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has revealed he was left 'sickened' by an article describing the star as a 'thug' before his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month.
PA
Writing in his column for the Daily Star, the Queensberry Promotions chief said: "Tyson is someone who has stood up and become a role model for those who suffer from mental health problems and addiction to show you can turn your life around.
"To see him called a 'thug' by a newspaper columnist before the Usyk fight absolutely sickened me. It was a disgrace.
"The definition of a thug is 'violent, aggressive person, especially one who is a criminal'.
"Tyson is none of those things, outside of the ring. He’s never been convicted of a crime.
JUST IN: Luke Littler admits first purchase he wants to make with £500,000 World Championship winnings
"Has he said some things over the years that are distasteful and wrong? Yes, of course.
"Do I like what he says all the time? No. But do people forget that he is bipolar?
"Have you ever looked up the definition of that on the NHS website? I know all too well the damage mental health problems can do."
Warren continued: "There are too many out there who want to sharpen their pencil to write negative things about Tyson and ignore all the good he has done both inside and outside of the ring."
READ MORE: Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou lashes out at reporter after rage admission - 'Stop asking me'
It is currently unclear what the future holds for Fury.
Talk of a lucrative bout with Anthony Joshua has rumbled on for years, though nothing has ever materialised so far.
Yet Warren insists Fury has earned the right to decide his future - and says he won't be pushing the boxing star to return to the ring, no matter the opponent.
"I will not be picking up the phone and asking Tyson Fury to fight again," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Graeme Souness launches astonishing rant on Man Utd player ahead of Liverpool clash - 'Wrong'un'
- Luke Littler set to immediately lose half of his £500,000 prize winnings from World Championship victory
- Luke Littler makes admission about his luxury mansion after spectacular World Darts Championship triumph
Boxing news: Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia last month
PA
"If opportunities come my way for him they will be passed on, but there will be no advice from me on whether or not Tyson should take them.
"I haven’t spoken to him yet about an Anthony Joshua fight and I will only do so if he comes to me and says he wants to get in the ring with him.
"My only hope is for Tyson to be happy and content with life.
"If he is then I’d be prouder than you can ever imagine.
Boxing news: Frank Warren says Tyson Fury has earned the right to decide his future following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
PA
"If he does decide to box again then I’ll support him 100 per cent.
"It’s a decision for him, his wife Paris and their family."
You may like
