World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has asked the BBC to take him off this year’s list of contenders for the Sports Personality of the Year award and told fans not to vote for him.
Fury was one of six athletes shortlisted this week for the award, along with Lewis Hamilton, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stuart Broad, Jordan Henderson and Hollie Doyle.
The 32-year-old, who grew up in Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester, wrote on his Instagram account: “This is a message for bbcsport and their SPOTY award – please take me off your list as I’m the people’s champion and have no need for verification or any awards.
“I know who I am and what I’ve done in the sport. I have the love of the people which means more to me than all the awards in the world. To anyone who supports me, don’t vote.”
The show is being broadcast live from MediaCityUK on 20th December. Voting will be open to the public during the programme on BBC One.
Fury beat American Deontay Wilder to win the WBC title in February.
