His profile Stateside has soared since he beat Jake Paul in a much-hyped fight in Saudi Arabia...but Tommy Fury ’s bid for stardom in the US could be scuppered amid questions over his visa status.
The 23-year-old - halfbrother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Love Island star - announced last June he had been refused entry by Homeland Security. Now following Sunday night’s fight, any work opportunities in the States could prove problematic despite his increased media status.
He said at the time that he had “no idea” why his ESTA was denied at London’s Heathrow Airport, adding: “I have done nothing wrong and I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel.”
It comes after Tyson Fury and other prominent figures in boxing were refused entry due to alleged past links to sanctioned mob boss Daniel Kinahan. Fury’s fight with Paul had to be scrapped before it was moved to Riyadh.
A source said: “Tommy is hot property after his win, and will have lots of brands wanting to work with him in America, where he was pretty much unknown before the Jake Paul fight. That has all changed.”
Fury made at least £3.7million from his win over Paul, which included a £1.6million purse and money from pay-per-view.
He could even eclipse his influencer partner Molly-Mae Hague, 23, who is said to earn £2million-a-year. Fury said his victory over Paul felt like a world title after winning a split decision to settle their grudge match
Fury, who remains determined to emulate brother Tyson by becoming a world champion, took a standing count for a knockdown in the final eighth round - with the British fighter claiming to have slipped - but had earlier done enough to earn victory on the judges’ cards.
Speaking ringside, Fury dedicated the victory to girlfriend Molly-Mae and new-born daughter Bambi. “For the past two and a half years, this is all that’s consumed my life,” he said. “Tonight I made my own legacy. Molly, this fight was for you and for you, Bambi, I love you.
“I had a dream and a vision that I would win this fight and no one believed me. I had pressure on my shoulders and I came through. This to me is a world title fight - I’ve trained so hard for this. This was my destiny, we did it.”
Fury also said he would sign up for another bout, adding: “This was my first main event. I’m only going to go stronger and bigger. If Jake wants a rematch then bring it on. Jake Paul was a proper warrior. He took some good shots and he’s far better than I thought he was.”
Defeat ends Paul’s perfect 6-0 record, which included bouts against the likes of ex-NBA player Nate Robinson as well as MMA fighters Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.
The 26-year-old said: “I felt flat, I got sick twice in this camp and injured my arm. It wasn’t my best performance, but I’m not making excuses and I’ll come back stronger.
“All respect to Tommy - he won. I deserve a rematch, I don’t know if I agree with the judges. I’ve already won in life - I have an amazing family, amazing friends and I’ve made it further than I ever thought I would.”
Stars at the show included Cristiano Ronaldo and Mike Tyson. Fury’s agent didn’t respond to emails about his client’s visa status.
