Tyson Fury shared an emotional prayer for seven-year-old River Rhodes to support his courageous cancer battle.
The 'Gypsy King' is taking time away from boxing having defeated Dillian Whyte in April and has now entered his retirement. He is currently touring the UK as part of his 'After Party' series of shows following his latest heavyweight title defence, and met incredibly brave seven-year-old River Rhodes who is battling bone cancer.
Fury and River shared an emotional prayer together during a touching gesture from the heavyweight champion, who said: "Heavenly father I ask you in the mighty name of Jesus to heal this little boy River. Take him into your hands and heal him with your holy hands lord. This is a little baby child who has committed no sin. In the mighty name of Jesus heal this baby."
The pair embraced during the prayer with Rhodes delighted with the touching gesture, before Fury kisses him on the head. Rhodes and Fury later played football together in the same corridor, with the heavyweight champion having the ball poked through his legs by Rhodes who clearly enjoyed every second of the meeting.
Rhodes was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, which is a type of cancer that affects the soft connective tissue or bone. The type of cancer Rhodes had been diagnosed with currently makes up around 53 per cent of cancers in children. His mother and teacher noticed his eye drooping during September 2021 which others initially thought was down to hayfever.
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Upon closer inspection, a cancerous lump was discovered which saw Rhodes begin his brave battle with cancer. He has since had chemotherapy which has thankfully had a positive impact on the valiant young boy who has continued to make everyone smile throughout his fight.
He has also been receiving radiotherapy in Manchester with his chemotherapy set to last around 12 months. During his time in the northern city, Rhodes has spent a great deal of time with Manchester United's footballing stars around the training ground. The likes of Jesse Lingard and Harry Maguire have been pictured with Rhodes, with the latter playing football with Rhodes.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City star Jack Grealish have also been touched by River's story and have spent time with the brave young fighter. He has earned tributes across the world from high-profile figures who have saluted his brave battle. Retired star John Terry posted: “An absolute pleasure meeting you today River. Stay strong mate." Lingard posted: “You’re an inspirational young man battling cancer and winning. Stay strong and keep fighting.”
Fury has fast-become one of the most popular sporting figures in Britain since making his inspirational comeback to the boxing ring. People inside the sport and fans of boxing want to see Fury remain fighting and accept the challenge of Anthony Joshua if he can defeat Oleksandr Usyk this summer.
We urge anyone who is able to do so to support River Rhodes' treatment fund and you can donate by clicking here.
