Tyson Fury nominated for BBC SPOTY Award, but threatens to SUE the BBC as a result

The WBC heavyweight world champion features on the six-person shortlist alongside Tom Daley, Adam Peaty, Sarah Storey, Raheem Sterling and Emma Raducanu.

However, he previously threatened to take legal action against the BBC if they nominated him.

In 2015, Fury was first nominated for SPOTY having famously defeated Wladimir Klitschko.

This was the first time the outspoken boxer first hit the mainstream spotlight and a number of his past controversial comments resurfaced, coming back to haunt him.

A petition was signed by over 50,000 people demanding he be taken off the shortlist as a result. Fury responded by branding the signees '50,000 w**kers'.

He ultimately remained on the shortlist, finished fourth and made a public apology for his past comments during the ceremony.

It was not until his 2020 triumph over Deontay Wilder that Fury was nominated again.

Second time around, Fury insisted he wanted nothing to do with the award and asked to be taken off the list of nominees himself.

The BBC refused to do so, but there were few votes for the 'Gypsy King' who responded by asking his supporters not to vote. As a result, he finished sixth.

Now, with another epic win over Wilder in the books, Fury saw his 2021 nomination coming in advance.

He told the Telegraph earlier this month: "It means nothing to me, and I don't need it or want it.

"In fact, they will hear from my solicitors if they do put me on the list.

"Give it to someone who needs it. I don't. We know who the Sports Personality of the Year is anyway - it's me.

"Who does what I do? Goes through a war in Las Vegas, entertains the fans, and then sings to the audience?"

He has been ignored though, and nominated for a third time.

Raducanu is also on the shortlist and is heavy favourite to win the award.

The youngster captivated the nation with her surprise US Open victory aged just 18.

Sterling has been nominated for his part in England's heroic Euro 2020 campaign, while also being crowned Premier League champion with Manchester City.

Also on the list are Olympic diving champion Daley, Olympic swimming champion Peaty, and Paralympic cycling champion Storey.

Hamilton has not made the cut, having been narrowly beaten by Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship on Sunday.