Tyson Fury has instructed lawyers to demand his removal from the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The world heavyweight champion was one of six athletes shortlisted last month 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in Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester, told Good Morning Britain that he had asked “politely” for his nomination to be rescinded last month, writing on Instagram: “This is a message for bbcsport and their SPOTY award – please take me off your list as I’m the people’s champion and have no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.”
The BBC turned down Fury’s request, but the boxer has now revealed he has escalated the row.
He said: “I have asked nicely in a video to be taken off the list and they decided that they were not going to take me off the list. So I have had my lawyers send them a letter demanding that I am taken off the list and let’s hope they listen and take me off the list.”
The Sports Personality of the Year show is being broadcast live from MediaCityUK on 20th December.
