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 professional boxer, renowned for holding multiple world heavyweight championships. He unified titles from 2015 to 2016, secured the Ring magazine title twice (2015-2022), and reigned as WBC champion from 2020 to 2024. His achievements also include holding the IBO title during his initial championship reign, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in boxing.

Sections (5)

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

September 2009: Won 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 that was widely criticized.

February 2015: Fury's sample taken

In February 2015, a sample was taken from Tyson Fury that later, in June 2016, resulted in a charge by UK Anti-Doping for the presence of nandrolone.

December 2015: Tyson Fury's Suspension Backdated

In December 2015, the UKAD backdated Tyson Fury's two-year period of ineligibility to December 13, 2015, due to delays in managing results related to nandrolone findings.

April 2016: Fury Speaks About Racial Abuse

In April 2016, Tyson Fury spoke about the racial abuse he receives as an Irish Traveller, stating that "no one wants to see a Gypsy do well".

May 2016: Fury criticised for comments

In May 2016, Tyson Fury was criticised for comments on transgender people and "Zionist Jewish people who own all the banks, all the papers, all the TV stations" in an interview, which was later deleted, and Fury apologised.

June 2016: UKAD announced agreement with Furys and BBBoC

In June 2016, UKAD announced they had agreed with the Furys and the BBBoC to resolve charges against them regarding elevated nandrolone levels. The charges stemmed from findings that were not brought until June 2016. As a result, Tyson and Hughie Fury's two-year period of ineligibility was backdated.

June 2016: Fury charged with doping

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

September 2017: Fury challenges UKAD

In September 2017, Tyson Fury challenged UKAD to either ban him or reinstate his boxing licence. He felt he was being treated unfairly due to the length of time it was taking to reply.

November 2017: Anti-doping panel hearing due in December

In November 2017, BBC Sport reported that a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing was due to take place in December, involving the legal battle between Fury and UKAD.

December 2017: Fury comeback announced after signing with MTK Global

In December 2017, specifically on December 11, a hearing start date was set, with a potential outcome being Fury facing a four-year ban. On November 25, Fury announced his comeback after signing with managerial group MTK Global.

February 2018: UKAD's spending on Fury case revealed

In February 2018, specifically on February 7, UKAD revealed they spent £585,659 on the Tyson Fury case. Most was paid to a London law firm, with some for barrister fees and laboratory work.

2018: Kinahan named senior figure in organised crime

In 2018, an Irish High Court judge stated that Daniel Kinahan is a senior figure in organised crime on a global scale.

June 2020: Fury Thanks Daniel Kinahan

In June 2020, Tyson Fury publicly thanked Daniel Kinahan for his role in brokering a potential fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Later in June 2020, Fury parted ways with Kinahan as an advisor.

May 2021: Fury-Joshua fight thrown into doubt due to Wilder arbitration

In May 2021, an arbitration judge ruled that Tyson Fury had to honor a contractual clause mandating a third fight with Deontay Wilder, throwing the proposed unification fight with Anthony Joshua into doubt. Fury then announced he'd signed the contract for the Wilder trilogy fight during an ESPN broadcast.

February 2022: Fury Photographed with Kinahan in Dubai

In February 2022, Tyson Fury was photographed alongside Daniel Kinahan in Dubai, despite earlier severing ties with him due to Kinahan's alleged involvement in organized crime.

June 2022: Fury Denied Entry to the United States

In June 2022, Tyson Fury was reportedly refused entry to the United States due to his links with Daniel Kinahan, who is subject to sanctions by the U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control.