Interview with Tyson Fury
Sunday 11th December 2011
Tyson Fury (born 1 June 1988) is a British professional boxer who fights in the heavyweight division. He is the current British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion. Tyson visited CLM to talk about boxing and about his faith. The night began with a song from Tyson's cousin, Caesar. He played and sung very well, words talking of the need to be born again. John Partington then introduced Phil Weaver who would be interviewing Tyson. Phil described himself as the Christian Piers Morgan but better looking. A short video was then shown to introduce the special guest for the evening, Tyson Fury. The interview began with Phil asking Tyson about his upbringing and how this lead to boxing. Tyson talked of how he was neither sporty of academic at school and didn't leave with a great deal achieved. However, having been inspired to take up boxing he did so in his teens. This lead to relative success before he turned professional a few years later. He spoke of how he had a few fights before being given the chance to fight for the British and Commonwealth title against Derek Chisora. He won this fight to become Heavyweight British and Commonwealth champion. Phil then discussed with Tyson recent fights and experiences in relation to this. Tyson talked of how he has a need to stay focussed on not letting people down and being successful. He had recently fought Neven Pajkic for the Commonwealth title, Tyson was knocked down in the second round. He admitted that often his liability is that he switches off. This caused him to react and he went on to win the fight. Tyson described about how he was aiming to improve on this and become a better fighter with the eventual goal of being Heavyweight champion. The interview then moved into the direction of talking about Tyson's faith. He told of how he watched his uncle Ernie, a born again Christian. He knew of God but nothing more, but he was intrigued by his Uncle's faith. And then on one visit to buy a car he enquired of Ernie about this faith he professed. Ernie then asked Tyson if he would like to become a Christian and Tyson said he would, stating that this desire was genuine. It was in his late teens that Tyson became a born again Christian. Tyson Fury spoke of how he is not perfect and is still working out his faith, but he wants to live for Christ and believes that this relationship has helped him through many things, mainly the recent illness of his new born Prince. Phil then asked Tyson what his wife Paris thought about his boxing career, to which Tyson insisted Paris must answer. She talked of how she knew it was important to him and though not easy, she supported him in his career. Tyson showed humility in his approach, although he definitely had air of confidence in his ability, which is only right in a line of sport that requires an abundance of self-belief. After the interview Tyson's uncle Ernie, who had led him to Christ, gave a gospel message. He spoke on the passage where Pilate asks what he should do with Christ. Ernie posed the question to all those in attendance, "What will you do with Christ today?". Many people responded to this message and came forward to make the first step in a commitment to know Jesus as their Saviour. Once the meeting had finished, many queued to get Tyson's autograph or photo. His patience and willingness to participate in this was obvious, he stayed behind for a good while ensuring that all those that wished would have the opportunity to meet him. Hopefully in the not too distant future we shall be inviting back Tyson Fury, Heavyweight champion of the world!
