Tyson Fury runs after fan to give him mental health advice in ITV documentary

Heavyweight world champion met fan Colby while out with his family and quickly realised that he was struggling with issues that related to his own mental problems

Tyson Fury’s three-part ITV documentary has revealed much of the heavyweight champion the public didn’t know, though few will have expected to see the ‘Gypsy King’ running through a park to give advice to a young man struggling with mental health problems.

Fury’s recovery from drink, drugs and weight problems have been well documented in his return to the top of boxing, with last month’s victory over Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC heavyweight title the culmination of a long road back from the dark days of 2016 and 2017.

The 31-year-old’s issued included struggling with depression, and he has taken on responsibility to provide an example to others who are going through difficult times that there is light at the end of the tunnel, with Fury embracing both his career and his family as a way of getting back to a healthy state of mind.

Surrounding Fury’s Las Vegas victory on 22 February has been an ITV documentary called Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King, with the final episode airing on Thursday night. It revealed Fury meeting a fan named Colby from Milton Keynes while out walking with his family, and after a brief encounter, Fury realises from their conversation that Colby may have a few issues on his mind.

“I tell you something now,” Fury tells the cameraman. “That lad is here from Milton Keynes or wherever he's from, probably his parents have split up; one lives down there, one lives up here.

“So I would say, just by speaking to him for two seconds, that he suffers from mental health problems of some sort. Which brings me to go and speak to him...”

The boxer then sprints after him and catches up just before he leaves on his bike, enabling him to offer some words of advice.

“Now from speaking to you for two seconds I thought ‘that kid might be struggling with mental health problems of some sort’,” says Fury.

Colby replies: “I went through a stage when I was depressed, it was hard for me growing up, my mum was a single parent.”

Fury adds: “My parents split up and all that crap, and whatever, and it's not easy, is it? What my advice would be, if boxing is what you're into it, then get into that and put some good energy into it.”

As he bids Colby farewell, Fury adds: “Good lad, stay on the straight and narrow and get yourself to that boxing gym. All the best pal, take it easy.”

Fury has made his desire to help others known during his comeback from his own issues, with the undefeated boxer disappearing from the ring for two-and-a-half years as he slumped into depression.

“That humbled me. This journey is bigger than boxing because I get the opportunity to do stuff like that and maybe help other people who are suffering,” he said after the meeting.

“Maybe that conversation can help ... to have an opportunity to help people and do good for the good, that's what drives me now.”

Reflecting on the chance to meet Fury while out in a park, Colby said: “It's crazy to talk to one of my role models, it's definitely inspired me. Your story personally, and how you went through the hard times.”