John Fury, father of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for gouging a man's eye out following a long-standing dispute over a bottle of beer. The incident occurred in July 2021 at a pub in Styal, Cheshire, where Fury attacked 32-year-old Michael Smith.
The court heard that the feud between the two men had lasted 12 years, stemming from an argument over a beer. On the day of the attack, Fury struck Smith in the face, causing his eye to be dislodged from its socket. Smith suffered permanent vision loss and requires ongoing medical treatment.
Fury, 56, was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Manchester Crown Court. The judge described the attack as 'vicious and unprovoked' and noted Fury's lack of remorse. Fury had previously been convicted of assault and affray in 2011.
The case has drawn attention due to Fury's connection to his son, Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion. Tyson Fury has not publicly commented on his father's sentencing. John Fury was also known for his unconventional 'banana diet', which he claimed helped him stay fit.
