Tyson Fury has been a shining light in the battle to bring mental health issues to the fore in recent years, and he did it again on Saturday.
The WBC, Ring magazine and lineal world heavyweight king has talked openly about his issues. They caused him to spend three years out of boxing, and led to suicidal thoughts and huge weight gain.
Fury’s comeback story has been one of THE sporting heartwarmers of the 21st Century. Once on the brink of oblivion, he became world heavyweight king again in February by crushing Deontay Wilder.
On Saturday October 10 – World Mental Health Day – ‘The Gypsy King’ teamed up with acclaimed poet Hussain Manawer. The result was a short film to again publicise the fight for mental health.
Today is World Mental Health Day.
I've partnered with poet @HussainManawer on a short film 'You're Not My Best Friend' themed on addiction, to remind people you are not alone – help is always there.
Let's work together to help change the conversation on mental health. pic.twitter.com/mkXVd37hRk
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) October 10, 2020
The film accompanied a Tweet from the 32-year-old Fury in which he said: “I’ve partnered with poet Hussain Manawer on a short film ‘You’re Not My Best Friend’ themed on addiction, to remind people you are not alone – help is always there.
“Let’s work together to help change the conversation on mental health.”
Fury has often credited boxing and training with enabling him to keep focused and positive. And avoiding the issues which particularly plagued him between 2015 and 2018.
He is currently still hoping he will be able to face Wilder in their trilogy fight before the end of 2020.
So far the bout has been scuppered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has stopped fans attending big fights.
A successful poet and constant campaigner on mental health, Manawer is also an ambassador for Samaritans. He has been working to reach young audiences.