It was more the storm before the calm as Tyson Fury’s appearance on the BBC Sports Personality of Year Awards went off without controversy.

The former Irish champion and current heavyweight champ of the World was criticised post the awards for numerous comments made in the past.

Indeed, there were some calling for the giant puncher to removed from the short list, however on the night the World Champion was well recieved and carried himself well when interviewed by Gary Linker live on TV.

Fury, whose father hails from Galway and mother from Antrim, was also close to making the top three and came in fourth on just over 70,000 votes.

The prize was picked up by Andy Murray, while Kevin Sinfield and Jessica Ennis also finished above Fury.