Major Controversies Surrounding Tyson Fury: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Tyson Fury—discover key moments of controversy.

Tyson Fury is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2008 to 2024. A dominant heavyweight, he held multiple world championships, including unified titles (2015-2016), the Ring magazine title (twice between 2015 and 2022), and the WBC title (2020-2024). Fury also briefly held the IBO title, solidifying his place as a significant figure in modern boxing.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 2009: Fury won the English heavyweight title against John McDermott

On September 11, 2009, Tyson Fury fought John McDermott for the English heavyweight title and won via a points decision, which was criticized.

February 2015: Fury's Win Disqualified

In February 2015, Tyson Fury's win over Christian Hammer was disqualified but his triumph over Klitschko was not. This was due to elevated nandrolone levels.

February 2015: Fury Sample Taken

In February 2015, a sample was taken from Tyson Fury which later, in June 2016, was found to contain the prohibited substance nandrolone, leading to charges by UK Anti-Doping.

December 2015: Period of Ineligibility Backdated

In December 2015, a two-year period of ineligibility for Tyson Fury was backdated to December 13, 2015, and expired at midnight on December 12, 2017.

2015: Scrutiny of Past Comments

After Fury became world champion in 2015, the British media scrutinized past comments he had made, which sparked controversy.

2015: SPOTY Nomination and Controversy

In 2015, Tyson Fury was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, but a petition arose to disqualify him due to equating homosexuality with paedophilia. Fury came fourth and apologized for hurting anyone with his past statements.

April 2016: Fury speaks about racial abuse

In April 2016, Tyson Fury discussed the racial abuse he experiences as an Irish Traveller, expressing that he feels bias against his community and that his success is not welcomed. He identifies as a Gypsy and feels he is viewed negatively despite being a champion.

May 2016: Criticism for Comments on Transgender People and Jewish People

In May 2016, Tyson Fury was criticized for comments made on transgender people and "Zionist Jewish people who own all the banks, all the papers, all the TV stations" during an interview. The interview was later deleted, and Fury apologized.

June 2016: Charges Brought in Respect to Nandrolone Findings

In June 2016, due to delays in results management, charges were brought against Tyson and Hughie Fury regarding nandrolone findings.

June 2016: Fury Charged with Prohibited Substance

In June 2016, specifically on June 24, Tyson Fury and his cousin, Hughie Fury, were charged by UK Anti-Doping with the presence of nandrolone, a prohibited substance, from a sample taken in February 2015.

September 2017: Fury Challenges UKAD to Resolve Case

In September 2017, Tyson Fury challenged UKAD to either ban him or reinstate his boxing license, expressing his belief that he was being treated unfairly as the investigation had been ongoing for over a year.

November 2017: Anti-Doping Panel Hearing Scheduled

In November 2017, BBC Sport reported that a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing regarding Tyson Fury's case was scheduled to take place in December. It was also reported that UKAD could face potential insolvency due to the legal battle, and Fury signed with MTK Global.

December 2017: UKAD Agrees to Resolve Charges with Furys

In December 2017, UKAD announced they had agreed with the Furys and the BBBoC to resolve the doping charges, with Tyson Fury's two-year period of ineligibility backdated to December 13, 2015, expiring on December 12, 2017.

December 2017: Fury Hearing Start Date Set

In December 2017, a hearing start date of December 11 was set for Tyson Fury's case, with a potential outcome being a four-year ban. Fury did not attend the hearing.

February 2018: UKAD Spent £585,659 on Fury Case

In February 2018, UKAD revealed they spent £585,659 on the Tyson Fury case. Most was paid to London law firm Bird & Bird, but also included barrister fees and laboratory work.