TYSON FURY’S MANAGER and promoter Mick Hennessy was quick to launch a passionate defence of his fighter’s right to express his mind following last weekend’s heavyweight world-title win over Wladimir Klitschko.
Hennessy (left) has promoted Fury since he turned pro back in 2008 PA Archive / Press Association Images
PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
The new champion upset the odds to claim a dominant points win over Ukrainian Klitschko, who was previously undefeated in 11 years and 22 bouts, but 27-year-old Fury’s victory – and the widespread attention it has earned – also led to much criticism over some of his recent public comments.
However, Hennessy insisted that he will not move to censor the fighter now he carries the mantle of heavyweight champion of the world.
“I understand and it’s a fine line but, no, I won’t be in his ear saying you can’t say this and you can’t say that. I think that’s what defines him,” said Hennessy.
I think he’s a credit to himself. He says what a lot of other people are thinking.
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“Lots of other people are telling lies and working to scripts and sort of hiding what they’re really about. Tyson says what he’s thinking and I know that might upset people every now and again but you always know where you are with Tyson,” added Hennessy.
Fury has been vocal on a number of non-boxing topics throughout his seven-year career as a pro, with recent alleged comments relating to homophobia and abortion leading to much pre-fight media coverage on his conduct as a public sporting figure, but Hennessy claimed that Fury was misquoted in relation to those subjects.
The new champion, who comes from a proud Travelling tradition, has regularly expressed statements in support of his religious faith, and Hennessy claimed that Fury was misquoted when discussing the detail of ‘scriptures’.
“He [Fury] was misquoted, he was just basically saying what was in those scriptures,” said Hennessy. “He never expressed his opinion.
Tyson is a religious young man and he reads the bible and he was only quoting what was there. He’s well read, he’s a sharp kid, a smart kid, he can talk on any subject you want.
“For his age he’s brilliant, [for] someone who didn’t really have a formal education,” continued Hennessy, who has promoted Fury since he turned pro in 2008.
Hennessy praised Fury for his loyalty towards him during some difficult times in his promotional career and added: “This kid has got old-fashoned values, he’s caring, he’s kind, he’s generous.
“He’s generous with his money, he’s generous with his time, charities, young kids, autographs.”
Hennessy (second from right) and Fury (centre) were confident throughout the build-up to the latter's win over Klitschko PA Wire / PA Images
PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images
Meanwhile, Hennessy also spoke with Irish reporters about the prospect of Fury boxing at Croke Park – a desire the champion again reiterated on RTÉ radio on Tuesday.
Hennessy is keen on the idea of Fury fighting at GAA HQ if it was promotionally viable, but maintained that no venue had yet been formally discussed for a potential rematch against Klitschko.
“Wherever it makes commercial sense, wherever it can make the most money. Tyson doesn’t mind boxing away… Where it makes the most money, the biggest gate, that’s where we’re going to go,” said Hennessy.
'Fury says what a lot of people are thinking... you know where you are with him'
TYSON FURY’S MANAGER and promoter Mick Hennessy was quick to launch a passionate defence of his fighter’s right to express his mind following last weekend’s heavyweight world-title win over Wladimir Klitschko.
The new champion upset the odds to claim a dominant points win over Ukrainian Klitschko, who was previously undefeated in 11 years and 22 bouts, but 27-year-old Fury’s victory – and the widespread attention it has earned – also led to much criticism over some of his recent public comments.
However, Hennessy insisted that he will not move to censor the fighter now he carries the mantle of heavyweight champion of the world.
“I understand and it’s a fine line but, no, I won’t be in his ear saying you can’t say this and you can’t say that. I think that’s what defines him,” said Hennessy.
“Lots of other people are telling lies and working to scripts and sort of hiding what they’re really about. Tyson says what he’s thinking and I know that might upset people every now and again but you always know where you are with Tyson,” added Hennessy.
Fury has been vocal on a number of non-boxing topics throughout his seven-year career as a pro, with recent alleged comments relating to homophobia and abortion leading to much pre-fight media coverage on his conduct as a public sporting figure, but Hennessy claimed that Fury was misquoted in relation to those subjects.
The new champion, who comes from a proud Travelling tradition, has regularly expressed statements in support of his religious faith, and Hennessy claimed that Fury was misquoted when discussing the detail of ‘scriptures’.
“He [Fury] was misquoted, he was just basically saying what was in those scriptures,” said Hennessy. “He never expressed his opinion.
“For his age he’s brilliant, [for] someone who didn’t really have a formal education,” continued Hennessy, who has promoted Fury since he turned pro in 2008.
Hennessy praised Fury for his loyalty towards him during some difficult times in his promotional career and added: “This kid has got old-fashoned values, he’s caring, he’s kind, he’s generous.
“He’s generous with his money, he’s generous with his time, charities, young kids, autographs.”
Meanwhile, Hennessy also spoke with Irish reporters about the prospect of Fury boxing at Croke Park – a desire the champion again reiterated on RTÉ radio on Tuesday.
Hennessy is keen on the idea of Fury fighting at GAA HQ if it was promotionally viable, but maintained that no venue had yet been formally discussed for a potential rematch against Klitschko.
“Wherever it makes commercial sense, wherever it can make the most money. Tyson doesn’t mind boxing away… Where it makes the most money, the biggest gate, that’s where we’re going to go,” said Hennessy.
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Boxing Croke Park Fighting Talk Mick Hennessy Tyson Fury Wladimir Klitschko