Tyson Fury has issued an apology for comments that he made last week, insisting that he is "not a racist or bigot".
During a video interview with SportsView London, the heavyweight champion of the world made claims that have been regarded as homophobic, sexist and anti-Semitic.
However, in response to the criticism, the 27-year-old has said sorry for any offence that he caused.
The statement in full read: "Mr Fury would like to apologise to anyone who may have taken offence to these comments.
"As a man of traveller heritage, Mr Fury has suffered bigotry and racial abuse throughout his life and as such would never wish anyone to suffer the same. He has many friends of a wide range of backgrounds and races and wishes no ill to anyone of any race, religion or sexual orientation.
"Mr Fury is a devout Christian and a family man, however he accepts that in the past he has said things publicly which are misrepresentative of his beliefs and usual good character. He appreciates he has a duty as the heavyweight champion of the world. He knows it comes with certain responsibilities and anything he says publicly will be heavily scrutinised.
"Mr Fury now wishes to move past this and instead concentrate on what he does best, which is boxing, starting with his defence of the heavyweight championship of the world in the rematch against Wladimir Klitschko on July 9 at the Manchester Arena.
"Mr Fury said: "I apologise to anyone who may have taken offence at any of my comments. I said some things, which may have hurt some people, which as a Christian man is not something I would ever want to do.
"Though it is not an excuse, sometimes the heightened media scrutiny has caused me to act out in public. I mean no harm or disrespect to anyone and I know more is expected of me as an ambassador of British boxing and I promise in future to hold myself up to the highest possible standard.
"Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am in no way a racist or bigot and I hope the public accept this apology."
This is not the first time that Fury has caused outrage when airing his beliefs, having previously made sexist comments about British Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Liam Apicella
