Tyson Fury Faces Animal Cruelty Backlash Over Chained Lion Photo in Thailand
Boxing superstar Tyson Fury has been hit with significant backlash and urged to educate himself on animal suffering after posting photos and videos posing with a lion in chains during a training break in Thailand. The incident occurred weeks before his scheduled comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Controversial Visit to Alleged Sanctuary
While preparing for his return to the ring after a 16-month hiatus, Fury visited what was described as a sanctuary in Pattaya, Thailand. In footage shared on his Instagram, the former world champion is seen interacting with the chained lion, petting it and saying, "Good boy, good boy. He’s a good boy, he is. He’s only a little Simba cat."
Fury captioned the clip with a taunt aimed at his upcoming opponent, nicknamed The Lion, writing: "There’s only one King of the Jungle – The Gypsy King! Arslanbek… ‘The Lion’… about as scary as my Aunt Patsy’s cat April 11. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Lion sleeps tonight – and so will you! THE KING IS COMING HOME"
Public Outcry and Calls for Education
The post quickly drew criticism from followers and animal welfare advocates. One commenter told Fury: "Tyson, I think if you knew how these poor big cats were treated you’d be saddened, horrified even. Please do your research and use your platform to help them not support this industry."
Another simply stated: "Not cool. Do your research on how they treat these animals." A third expressed disappointment: "I used to admire you ... now this is just sad sorry no lion should be chained up for a photo op."
MirrorOnline has contacted Fury's team for comment regarding the controversy.
High-Stakes Comeback Fight
Fury faces a challenging return to boxing against Russian knockout specialist Arslanbek Makhmudov, who has only suffered two defeats in his career. One of those losses came via stoppage by No. 2 ranked heavyweight Agit Kabayel in 2023 on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's bout with Otto Wallin.
This marks a dangerous first post-retirement fight for Fury, who hasn't beaten a full-time boxer since defeating Derek Chisora in 2022. His most recent victory was a split-decision win over UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in October 2023, during which he was knocked down.
Family News Overshadowed by Controversy
Meanwhile, back in the UK, Fury's eldest child Venezuela, 16, recently hosted an elaborate hen party ahead of her wedding to boyfriend Noah Price, 17. The lavish event at Morecambe Football Club near the Fury family mansion drew over 300 guests with a strict over-15s only policy.
Venezuela, who is signed to the same agency as Princess Andre (daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre), wore a stunning gold princess gown, crown, veil, and strappy sandals for the occasion. Her mother Paris was 18 when she married Tyson, and the upcoming wedding is expected to be a major family affair involving Fury's six other children and relatives including Tommy Fury, partner of Molly-Mae Hague.
