Sport

Belfast inspiration for boxer Fury's political hopes

Tyson Fury (left) lands a big right hook on Belfast's Martin Rogan in their 2012 fight 
Tyson Fury (left) lands a big right hook on Belfast's Martin Rogan in their 2012 fight  Tyson Fury (left) lands a big right hook on Belfast's Martin Rogan in their 2012 fight 

HEAVYWEIGHT boxer Tyson Fury has revealed his ambition to throw his hat into the political ring, with some help from former Belfast mayor Alex Maskey. 

The boxer, who is a member of the Traveller community, told the BBC he wanted to “make a change for the better for the place I live,” by running for MP of Morecambe and Lunesdale. 

Fury (27) is to draw some inspiration from his mother’s home city of Belfast, as he revealed on Twitter that he would be reading Sinn Féin assembly member Alex Maskey’s book on serving as mayor of the city.

Fury said there was too much focus on immigration in politics and not enough attention paid to "our own brothers and sisters who are on the streets and abusing drugs and alcohol".

He revealed that he plans to stand an Independent candidate for the constituency, currently held by Conservative David Morris. He is to meet Morris and Lancashire County Council to discuss his plans to be elected "in five year's time".

Fury, who is undefeated in 24 professional fights, had been due to fight Ukrainian champion Wladimir Klitschko (39) next month for the heavyweight WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

However, Klitschko was forced to pull out of the October 24 fight due to a calf injury.

Fury has fought in Belfast on several occasions, most notably in a 2012 bout against local fighter Martin Rogan.

The fight at the Odyssey Arena was stopped in the fifth round after Rogan was knocked to the canvas twice.