Lancashire boxer, Tyson Fury has been included on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Fury, from Morecambe, who claimed a second win over Deontay Wilder in October, opposed his inclusion on the shortlist last year and had threatened to sue the BBC if he was named this time.

In 2020 it was reported that the heavyweight champion 'did not need' the award, which 'meant nothing to him', and should be given to someone else, threatening to involve his solicitors if he was listed. 

It is thought he will also oppose this years' inclusion.

Meanwhile, a day after losing out on a record eighth Formula One world title in controversial circumstances, Lewis Hamilton was omitted from the list of six sporting stars in line to pick up the award on Sunday.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu is the big favourite to claim the award after her remarkable triumph in New York in September.

Olympic and Paralympic stars Tom Daley, Adam Peaty and Dame Sarah Storey are also included along with Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who starred in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.

The BBC show will be held at Media City in Salford on Sunday without a studio audience because of concerns over rising coronavirus infections.