Hometown sculpture of champion boxer Tyson Fury causing furor

By Ashley Pemberton via SWNS

A 'contemporary sculpture' of world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury made out of plastic drainpipes has received a knock-out blow from residents in his hometown.

The creation is described as the 'first public sculpture of the two-time heavyweight champion in the world' and is due to be erected in Morecambe, England, this weekend.

However, locals were quick to mock the sculpture made from lengths of brown plastic drainage pipe by award-winning artist Anthony Padgett.

One quipped on social media that the sculptor would 'get punched' by Fury if he showed it to him.

The artist, a Morecambe native himself, claims said it would be the first public sculpture of the boxer in the world.

And he insisted that contemporary art is different from traditional "life-like" sculptures as it 'uses everyday objects in new ways.'

Anthony said: "The sculpture was inspired by Tyson Fury. It depicts the essence of the punch, the key moment in boxing.

"It is great to have a sculpture depicting Tyson's world achievement in Morecambe.

"Also to have a contemporary artwork shows Morecambe is progressive in its views of art.

"I used to see Tyson Fury in the cafe but never spoke to him. I hope he likes the work."

But not everyone was in agreement, with wags lining up to poke fun at the artwork online.

Trish Jay posted: "This brings back memories of when my kids were at primary school and the teachers had them make sculptures out of household litter.

"Then the same bloody teachers would send them home with the said 'sculpture'."

John McGinlay piped up: "He’ll get punched if he unveils that to Fury."

Simon Gooch added: "I heard a Tyson Fury sculpture was in the pipeline. I didn't think it was literally."

Local Jordan Medhurst fumed: "Absolute joke.

"The man is heavyweight champ of the world the entire WORLD and represents Morecambe daily shopping and eating in all local shops and bigging up the town on national TV - and they build a statue out of drain pipes.

"Imagine if he posts that on his social media to his millions of followers - it's embarrassing.

"The guy deserves a life-like 6 ft 9 proper statue in the town center right next to Eric Morecambe in my opinion.

"He's a legend throughout the whole world in and out of the ring."

Jessica Mace said: "I’m very open-minded when it comes to art, but that’s just insulting!"

Shaun Lister joked: "Pipe down everyone!"

However, Helen Waner defended the artwork, saying: "This is only a sculpture inspired by the boxer."

But Anthony, whose traditional "life-like" sculptures, including of war poet Wilfred Owen and artist Vincent Van Gogh, are sited around Europe, hit back at the trolls.

He said he would love to bronze, life-like sculpture of Fury if commissioned, but his current sculpture celebrates Fury as a 'person of the people.'

He said: "My work is often of famous people who have struggled with mental health.

"Whether PTSD - Wilfred Owen the first world war poet - or conflicted genius -Vincent Van Gogh - often they were stigmatized through lack of understanding.

"Contemporary art has been around for over 100 years. Since Marcel Duchamp exhibited a urinal. These urinals are now worth over $2million.

"My contemporary art has a sense of fun and humor to it.

"The sculpture respects Tyson and his achievements and celebrates him as a global personality of popular culture.

"Tyson is a person of the people. I have used everyday materials of the people to construct the sculpture.

"Storm drains take the brunt of the weather. They are part of the grit and determination of society. Tyson has risen from humble beginnings and is now a world icon.

"I would love to do a more life-like sculpture if commissioned."

The sculpture is set to be unveiled at the Morecambe Bay Art Fair this weekend and then will be sited outdoors at Jo & Lee's By The Sea Cafe on the town's seafront.

This is the site of the VVV gym and cafe where Tyson Fury used to train and eat.

Anthony added: "People are welcome to come and chat with me about the work and see the work for themselves at the Art Fair. Entry is free.

Tyson Fury's representatives have been contacted for comment.