Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has offered to pay £25,000 for the 'UK's biggest gold cross and chain' which a Nottinghamshire man has saved from being scrapped. Andreo Montanino, 33, purchased the item in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter after spotting it in the window of a bullion dealer.
Mr Montanino, from Trowell, believed that the item was to be melted down but said that he had to stop this happening in memory of his nan who was deeply religious, with the chain bearing a likeness of Jesus Christ on the crucifix. The item will be auctioned in September but Mr Montanino has already called out some potential customers.
He said: "I hope bringing it to auction will help me find someone who will treasure it. Because it's so special, a showpiece, it would work well if it was worn around the neck of a famous boxer on the walkout to the ring, someone like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua."
Mr Fury, known as The Gypsy King, has now responded to the story by saying that he would be prepared to pay £25,000 for the cross and chain. Writing on his Instagram story on Friday, August 19, Tyson Fury said: "Don't know who owns this but seen it online. I will give £25k for it."
Mr Montanino said: "My nan would have hated that [the jewellery melted down]. She was highly religious, a Roman Catholic who originated from Italy. She believed items like this, Jesus on the cross, was sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect."
Fury announced his retirement from boxing after failing to reach an agreement to fight Derek Chisora for a third time. The WBC have given Fury until August 26 to confirm his future plans.
The 9ct gold belcher chain has 28 13mm links, one hallmarked 'Sheffield 1997 JH & S'. The 9ct gold crucifix is 316.7gms and 21cm in length, longer than an average adult male hand which is 19.3cm or 7.6ins.
The giant gold crucifix and chain, which is thought to be the biggest in the UK, will now go to auction and is expected to raise £30,000. The heavy item weighs 1.5 kg and will be up for auction on Thursday, September 22.
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