I am not a racist or a bigot

The WBA, WBO and IBO world heavyweight champion was filmed making homophobic, sexist and anti-semitic comments in a video posted on YouTube.

Fury, who will defend his titles in a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko on July 9, also aired his opinions on bestiality, paedophilia and women during the clip.

In a statement released on Monday, Fury said: "I apologise to anyone who may have taken offence at any of my comments.

"I said some things, which may have hurt some people, which as a Christian man is not something I would ever want to do."Though it is not an excuse, sometimes the heightened media scrutiny has caused me to act out in public.

"I mean no harm or disrespect to anyone and I know more is expected of me as an ambassador of British boxing and I promise in future to hold myself up to the highest possible standard."Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am in no way a racist or bigot and I hope the public accept this apology."