CONTROVERSIAL world boxing champion Tyson Fury was fourth favourite on Wednesday night to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year - despite more than 130,000 people signing a petition calling for him to be removed from the shortlist.
Bookmakers on Wednesday night had the fighter at 16/1 to be crowned sports personality of the year, ahead of Formula One racing driver, Lewis Hamilton and Olympic gold medallist runner, Mo Farah.
Professional tennis star, Andy Murray remains the favourite to take the award - at 4/6 - followed closely by World and Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, who is on a 2/1.
Third favourite to win the accolade at the awards to be held in Belfast this Sunday is former English professional rugby league player, Kevin Sinfield.
Fury, who recently prompted outrage with controversial comments about homosexuality, remains fourth favourite ahead of British professional road racing cyclist, Chris Froome, Mo Farah, and Greg Rutherford, a British track and field athlete, who had pulled out of the competition over Fury's homophobic and sexist comments, only to later rejoin the contest.
World champion track and road racing cyclist, Lizzie Armitstead, swimmer, Adam Peaty, footballer, Lucy Bronze and gymnast Max Whitlock were last night on at 300/1 to scoop the title on Sunday night.
Famous faces from the world of sport are expected to gather at The SSE Arena in Belfast for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
However, there were media reports on Wednesday night that BBC chiefs may be facing a dilemma as to who will interview the boxer at the event on Sunday amid claims that some staff are not keen to do it.
It is also claimed a senior member of staff refused to put questions to Fury in a pre-recorded interview.
The show is due to be hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.
Gay and feminist groups have said they will stage a protest outside the awards in opposition to the comments made by Fury, which included "a woman’s best place is in the kitchen and on her back" and criticising the legalisation of homosexuality.
More than 130,000 people have so far signed an online petition calling on the BBC to remove the boxer from the SPOTY shortlist.
