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 force in the heavyweight division, he held multiple world championships throughout his career. These include unified titles (2015-2016), the Ring magazine title (twice between 2015 and 2022), and the WBC title (2020-2024). Fury also held the IBO title during his first reign as champion, solidifying his place as one of boxing's top competitors.
September 2009: English Heavyweight Title Win
In September 2009, Tyson Fury fought John McDermott for the English heavyweight title and won via a controversial points decision.
February 2015: Fury's Win Over Hammer Disqualified
In December 2017, as part of an agreement with UKAD, Tyson Fury's February 2015 win over Christian Hammer was disqualified due to nandrolone findings.
February 2015: Sample Taken
In February 2015, the sample that led to doping charges for Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury in June 2016 was taken.
December 2015: Start of Fury's Period of Ineligibility
In December 2015, Tyson Fury's two-year period of ineligibility was backdated to December 13, 2015, and therefore expired at midnight on December 12, 2017, due to delays in the results management.
2015: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Nomination and Controversy
In 2015, Fury was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, but faced controversy and a petition due to his past comments on homosexuality.
2015: Media Scrutiny After World Champion Win
In 2015, after becoming world champion, Fury faced media scrutiny for past comments, including views on promiscuity, abortion, paedophilia, and homosexuality.
May 2016: Criticism for Comments on Transgender People and "Zionist Jewish People"
In May 2016, Fury was criticized for comments on transgender people and "Zionist Jewish people" in an interview. He later apologized, stating that he meant no harm or disrespect.
June 2016: Nandrolone Charges Brought Against Fury
In June 2016, charges related to nandrolone findings were officially brought against Tyson Fury, despite the sample being taken in February 2015.
June 2016: Fury Charged with Doping Violation
On June 24, 2016, Tyson Fury and his cousin, Hughie Fury, were charged by UK Anti-Doping "with presence of a prohibited substance", namely nandrolone, from a sample taken 16 months previously in February 2015.
October 2016: Fury's Boxing License Suspended
Shortly after Tyson Fury announced a comeback date, the British Boxing Board of Control publicly announced that Fury was still suspended and would not be fighting in May. This was confirmed by their general secretary Robert Smith. The ban originally started in October 2016.
May 2017: BBBofC Adjourns Fury's Case
In May 2017, Robert Smith of the BBBofC stated that Tyson Fury's case was 'complex' and had been adjourned.
September 2017: Fury Challenges UKAD for a Reply
In September 2017, Tyson Fury challenged UKAD to either ban him or reinstate his boxing license, believing he was being treated unfairly due to the length of the investigation.
November 2017: National Anti-Doping Panel Hearing Scheduled
In November 2017, a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing was scheduled to take place in December regarding Fury's case. Fury signed with MTK Global.
December 2017: UKAD Resolves Charges with Fury
In December 2017, UKAD announced an agreement with the Furys and the BBBoC to resolve the doping charges. Tyson's February 2015 win over Christian Hammer was disqualified, but his Klitschko triumph was not. The two year period of ineligibility expired at midnight on December 12, 2017.
December 2017: Anti-Doping Hearing Date Set
In December 2017, a hearing start date of December 11 was set for Tyson Fury's anti-doping case, with a potential outcome being a four-year ban. Fury did not attend the hearing.
February 2018: UKAD Reveals Spending on Fury Case
In February 2018, UKAD revealed they spent £585,659 on the Fury case. £576,587 was paid to London law firm Bird & Bird, barrister fees came to £1,130 and around £8,000 was paid for laboratory work.
2018: Kinahan Identified as Organized Crime Figure
In 2018, an Irish High Court judge stated that Daniel Kinahan is a senior figure in organised crime on a global scale.
June 2020: Public Acknowledgement of Daniel Kinahan
In June 2020, Fury publicly thanked Daniel Kinahan for his role in brokering a potential fight with Anthony Joshua, sparking controversy.
February 2022: Fury Photographed with Kinahan in Dubai
In February 2022, Fury was photographed alongside Daniel Kinahan in Dubai, maintaining their association despite Kinahan's alleged criminal ties.
June 2022: Fury Refused Entry to the United States
In June 2022, Fury was reportedly refused entry to the United States due to his links with Daniel Kinahan, who is subject to U.S. government sanctions.
