Tyson Fury asks to be removed from SPOTY list, but BBC refuse

Updated 02/12/2020 at 19:40 GMT

Tyson Fury was Ronnie O'Sullivan's pick to win the Sports Personality of the Year award, but the boxer has asked to be removed from the list. Fury, who made the final six after his memorable win over Deonatay Wilder in February, has asked his supporters not to vote for him. Stuart Broad, Hollie Doyle, Lewis Hamilton, Jordan Henderson and O’Sullivan make up the other nominations.

Tyson Fury

Image credit: Getty Images

The BBC have rejected Tyson Fury's request to be removed from the Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.

Fury asked to be removed from the nominee list, saying he is the “people’s champion” and has “no need for verification or awards”.

But a BBC spokesperson said: "The shortlist is decided by an independent expert panel who choose contenders based on their sporting achievement in a given year. On this basis Tyson Fury will remain on the list for Spoty 2020.

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"As always the winner will be decided by the public voting during the live show and it is of course up to Tyson if he chooses to participate in the show."

Fury made the final six - which also includes snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan - after his memorable win over Deonatay Wilder saw him claim the WBC title in February.

He also helped keep his followers fit during lockdown with a series of workout videos.

However, Fury, who was O’Sullivan’s pick to win the award, has asked to be removed from the SPOTY list.

In a video on social media he said: “This is a message for the BBC on their SPOTY award: Please take me off your list.

“I am the people's champion and have no need for verification or any awards.

“I know who I am and what I've done in sport. The love of the people is worth more to me than all the awards in the world. So to all of my supporters: Please don't vote on this. Take me off the list.

Stuart Broad, Hollie Doyle, Lewis Hamilton, Jordan Henderson and O’Sullivan make up the other nominations.

The winner will be decided by public vote on Sunday, December 20.

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