John Fury Issues Apology to BBC Boxing Commentator Steve Bunce
John Fury has publicly apologised to BBC boxing commentator Steve Bunce for a threatening incident that occurred during a press conference for his son Tyson Fury's comeback fight. The 60-year-old father of the heavyweight champion unleashed a furious, expletive-laden tirade aimed at former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch, accusing him of disrespect in multiple interviews.
Explosive Confrontation at Press Event
The altercation unfolded on Monday afternoon, with Fury's anger persisting for several minutes. After confronting Froch and fellow pundit Lennox Lewis, who were working for Netflix, Fury encountered Bunce in a corridor. According to eyewitness accounts, Fury aggressively barked, 'What are you looking at?' at Bunce. As Bunce began to respond, Fury stepped closer and shouted, 'Don't look at me because I'll butt your head right in the f***ing nose.'
Bunce attempted to defuse the situation by stating, 'I'm your friend, John.' Fury retorted, 'You're not my f***ing friend.' After Bunce repeated his friendly assertion, Fury walked away, leaving the tense scene behind.
Public Apology and Criticism of Netflix
In a video released on Thursday morning, John Fury expressed remorse for his actions. 'I just want to sincerely apologise to Steve Bunce,' he said. 'I'm sorry, Steve. I was bang out of order, I got carried away with emotion, there were people winding me up, these internet trolls and all this kind of thing. Sometimes we're all human, we've got feelings, and it can get to you, especially with a man like me. Embarrassing to say the least.'
Fury elaborated on his emotional state, noting that he felt tormented by constant online harassment. However, he also directed criticism at Netflix for its decision to employ Carl Froch as a pundit for Tyson Fury's upcoming fight against Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11. 'I think Netflix is out of order even employing Carl Froch and bringing him there, knowing the friction he's been causing,' Fury stated. 'And he's a Fury hater, he hates Tyson, he hates the Fury family, why he was there I don't know, that's Netflix's choice, not mine.'
He concluded his apology by offering to make amends in person, saying, 'I hope you accept my apology, Steve. I wasn't myself as you can see. When you're in fight mode, you're in fight mode aren't you. It is the fight business, it is the fight game, don't take it too personally my mate, God bless you, Steve, and I'll buy you a pint of beer and shake your hand and apologise in person. Sorry again, mate.'
Carl Froch's Fiery Response
In response to Fury's rant, Carl Froch did not hold back, offering to fight him and labelling him a 'big f***ing bully.' Froch challenged Fury to back up his words with action, saying, 'Big John Fury the fighting man. Put some respect on your name. Put some respect on your own name. Grow a set of knackers. You said you know you're afraid of no man but God. So get yourself in the gym, get yourself throwing a few punches and start to feel good about yourself.'
Froch predicted a humiliating outcome if they were to fight, adding, 'I'll take my time with you. I'll pepper you with a couple of jabs. I'll hit you with a couple of right hands to the body. And when you fall on the floor, I'll help you up because that's what'll happen. It'll be embarrassing.' He accused Fury of being an embarrassment to his son and the sport, urging him to stop his public outbursts unless he is willing to act on them.
This incident highlights the intense emotions and rivalries that often characterise the boxing world, with personal conflicts spilling over into public forums. The involvement of streaming giant Netflix adds a modern twist to the traditional press conference drama, raising questions about media partnerships in sports broadcasting.
