Boxing News 2016: Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury Apologizes for Comments Against Jews and Transgenders
World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has apologized for some remarks he made against Jews and transgender people.
This past week, the outspoken British boxer was heavily criticized once again, after a rant he made attacking both groups, as per Boxing Scene.
According to him, transgender people are "freaks of nature", noting how if he overturned the situation and had himself changed into a woman who bore the name "Tysina" is "not normal." He then went on to attack Jewish people, accusing them of brainwashing everyone else.
"Everyone just do what you can, listen to the government follow everybody like sheep, be brainwashed by all the Zionist, Jewish people who own all the banks, all the papers all the TV stations," Fury said. "Be brainwashed by them all."
His statements evidently did not sit well with various groups. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) called on to the British Boxing Board of Control and demanded Fury to be barred from boxing. The CAA added that such behavior should also implore his sponsors to sever their ties with the boxer.
"Britain does not tolerate or support racism. These specific anti-Semitic slurs are centuries old, and his use of them today in 2016 shows ignorance and malice," a statement from the CAA reads.
Usually unapologetic towards his words, Fury showed a softer stance this time when he issued an apology for his remarks. As reported by ESPN, Fury said he meant no harm or disrespect to the people involved, whilst promising to "hold himself in the highest possible standard" in the future.
"Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am in no way a racist or bigot, and I hope the public accept this apology," he said.
Fury is expected to defend his world heavyweight titles in a rematch against former long-time champion Wladimir Klitschko. The said fight is scheduled to take place on July 9, at the Manchester Arena in his hometown of Manchester, England, Daily Mail reports.