Plans for Tyson Fury Morecambe homecoming

Tyson Fury during a homecoming event at the Macron Stadium, Bolton on Monday. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday November 30, 2015. See PA story BOXING Fury. Photo credit should read: Simon Cooper/PA Wire

Fans and VIPs want to give our new world heavyweight boxing champion a big reception when he returns to town after his title triumph in Dusseldorf.

Although nothing has yet been confirmed, talks are under way about an event the public can attend.

Coun Darren Clifford, chairman of Morecambe Town Council, said a ‘welcome home’ event should happen if Tyson wants it.

Coun Clifford said: “We celebrated Morecambe FC getting promoted with a reception.

“I think it would be nice to do the same for Tyson if he’s up for it. It would be great for the public to see the championship belts.

“How often do you have the heavyweight champion of the world living in your district?

“I’ve met him twice and on both occasions he was an absolute gentleman.”

Debbie Cain, from local festival organising group the Morecambe Events Co-Operative, has also called for a homecoming reception.

“We’ve got to celebrate our hero,” said Mrs Cain.

“I think we should have some sort of homecoming. It’s a phenomenal thing he’s done. I think it’s great for Morecambe.”

Coun Margaret Pattison, vice-chairman of Morecambe Town Council, is pushing for Tyson to get a special award similar to one given to Morecambe motorbike ace John McGuinness in 2014.

“People have been getting in touch with me from all over the world since he won,” said Coun Pattison.

“He’s putting Morecambe on the map.”

They will ask Morecambe Town Council to support the idea at a meeting in January.

Meanwhile David Morris, MP for Morecambe, said he hopes Tyson Fury’s next fight will be at the Winter Gardens.

“I know people will say it will never happen but I’d say if he wants to do something for the town, let’s get the boxing promoters to chuck some money at the Winter Gardens and get it done up for future boxing events,” he said.

“It would do us the world of good.”

Tyson recently revealed his desire to stand as MP for Morecambe against Mr Morris in the next election but there were no hard feelings from the Conservative who said he was “over the moon” when Fury won.

Mr Morris was at a dinner party on Saturday but was checking in on the fight on a lap top.

“He won it fair and square. He’s come up the hard way.

“He will be a great ambassador for the town and I’m really proud of him.”