TOMMY FURY reveals how Ricky Hatton, a British boxing legend, set up Love Island.
Fury was due to make his professional debut in 2018 when Hatton, Fury's former trainer, commented on Fury's attractive looks.
Ricky Hatton, British boxing legend with Tommy Fury
ITV bosses were soon interested in Tyson's younger brother after he made a comment about appearing like a star on Love Island, a reality TV series.
Fury, 22 years old, told BT Sport that Fury was making his professional debut at Ricky Hatton’s gym. Ricky said, "He doesn't look like Tyson or Hughie, he looks like he just came off Love Island."
"And I didn’t know what that was at the time, because I hadn’t watched Love Island at all.
"Then, about a week later, I received a call from the gym. They called the gym's office and came in the changing area and said that ITV were on the line and wanted to talk to me.
"I was like, "OK, bit odd". So I called them and they said, "Oh Tommy, blah blah blah blah blah. Anyway, we'd love for you to join us for the 2019 series Love Island if that's what you want to."
"I was like, "That's very nice, Thank you" - I thought it was a game show or similar.
"I said, "That's very nice. I'm very grateful, but I have my professional fight debut up, I've got fights up, thank-you very much, but no thanks."
Although he initially refused to give up the chance to concentrate on his boxing career. However, luck would have it that fights were happening.
This created a space for Fury to make the decision to accept Love Island’s offer and put his career in the rings on hold.
He stated: "Cut to a short story, after my debut, my fights had been pencilled in but they were cancelled. So then I turned around to Ricky and was like, "Well, what are you going to do now?" Keep training, I suppose.
"Right, I could do it anywhere if there's nothing else. So I called them back, and I asked, "What's the deal?" Is it really about this?
They said, "OK, have a look at the last season and give me a call back." That's what I did. I watched the season and thought, "Do you know what?" I couldn't be happier after eight weeks of sun, beautiful girls and getting a tan.
"Rest IS History"
"I don't have any fights so I did it. Then I went to London and bid on a few auctions. That was it. The rest is history."
Fury was 2-0 at the time and later finished second to now-girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague. The pair have been huge stars ever since they left the villa.
The unbeaten boxer recently moved to 6-0 in his professional career. His time on the small screen helped him establish himself far from Tyson.
Fury will be facing Anthony Taylor, 32-year-old MMA fighter, in the ring on August 29.
A win for Love Island alumni will set up a big celebrity clash with American opponent Paul, who is currently 3-0 in his boxing career.
