Tyson Fury swapped the ring for the racecourse last Sunday, as his namesake horse made a successful debut in Doncaster.
Fury, a two-time Heavyweight World champion and current WBC titlist gave permission to owners Rebel Racing to use his name and the three-year-old colt did not disappoint, defeating 20-1 odds to run out a clear winner.
Fury, who defied the odds himself to knockout Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas in February, was approached by Rebel Racing owner and founder, Phil Cunningham through mutual friend Joe Ricotta, a key sponsor to the Mancunian.
“He was so big as a foal and we had such high hopes for him,” Cunningham told the Racing Post.
“So he needed a great name, and what better name than that of the heavyweight champion of the world!
“Joe approached Tyson and he gave his permission. Weatherbys wanted the approval but Joe went one step better than that and we went down to meet Tyson in Hertfordshire and did it all by video.
“I messaged Joe on Sunday morning to tell him the horse was running and he rang me straight after the race to say they thought it was amazing.”
Fury, who is preparing for a contracted trilogy bout with Wilder, mooted for December will break from his busy schedule to cheer on the colt, once the Coronavirus situation has eased.
Wow! What a debut. Thanks to @DoncasterRaces @meg_nicholls11 for a super ride and @Richspencer89 and the team @RebelRacingLtd for their patience and dedication to getting him ready for today, and of course the real champ @Tyson_Fury #Furysonfire pic.twitter.com/kYH9I43jWI
— Phil Cunningham (@Philcun69) July 5, 2020
Cunningham continued: “Tyson had watched the race with his dad and brothers and they’re going to come down to the yard when the coronavirus situation improves and meet him.
“Tyson will meet Tyson hopefully some time soon!”
