Tyson Fury apologises to ‘anyone I've hurt’ after being booed ahead of SPOTY awards

Controversial: Fury nominated for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year Award

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Richard Parry20 December 2015

World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has apologised at the BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards after he was accused of making sexist and homophobic comments in the lead up to the ceremony.

Fury, who defeated Wladimir Klitschko earlier this month to claim the heavyweight world title, made controversial comments during an interview with the Mail on Sunday.

Since then, Fury has faced a barrage of criticism over his personal views.

Some 130,000 people had signed a petition calling for the BBC to remove the controversial fighter from its shortlist after allegedly homophobic and sexist comments.

He was booed by protestors on arrival at tonight’s gala in Belfast, but, speaking to Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on stage, he apologised for causing offense.

"I've said a lot of things in the past, it's all a bit of tongue-in-cheek,” said the world heavyweight champion.

“If I've said anything in the past that's hurt anybody, then I apologise to anyone I've hurt, that wasn't the intention. I could have another thousand fights, nothing would top the Klitschko fight."

Tune in to our Live Blog for all of the reaction and fallout from tonight's ceremony in Belfast...