Sir Tyson Fury… That’s how one of Britain’s sporting legends believes the Gypsy King should be styled.England and Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney is convinced Fury’s 14-year career is deserving of a knighthood.The 34-year-old defeated Del Boy last night thanks to a tenth-round stoppage in what was a clinical performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wayne Rooney full of praise for Tyson Fury

Fury’s unbeaten career has garnered praise from many fans, including Rooney, who waxed lyrical about the Mancunian’s dominance after Saturday’s fight.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Rooney said: “He [Fury] is one of the best we’ve seen in a long time and I don’t think anyone will beat him.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Tyson Fury (R) punches Derek Chisora (L) during the WBC World Heavyweight Title fight between Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 03, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“I think he’s an absolute legend. What he’s done for boxing, he’s entertaining, his skills are incredible, his mentality is incredible and if I’m being honest I probably think he should be knighted.

“He hasn’t been afraid to go abroad, he’s won titles abroad, defended them abroad. He epitomises everything that boxing is.”

Video: Wayne Rooney calls for Tyson Fury to be knighted

Sir Henry Cooper is the only boxer to receive a knighthood. The Briton famously knocked down Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay, in their 1963 encounter.

Cooper became the first athlete to win the BBC Sport Personality of the Year award twice, in 1967 for going unbeaten and in 1970, when he held British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles.

The lack of precedent does not help Fury’s cause, with the likes of Jimmy Wilde, Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis, Naseem Hamed and Anthony Joshua all overlooked for knighthoods in the past.

Does Tyson Fury deserve a knighthood?

However, a glistening professional career has seen Tyson Fury remain unbeaten across his 34 fights.

Three wins over Chisora, two over Deontay Wilder and a famous victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf feature in a splendid CV of 33 wins. But it is arguably the solitary draw which is his greatest case for Royal recognition.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Tyson Fury interacts with Derek Chisora after victory in the WBC World Heavyweight Title fight between Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 03, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

After dictating much of the highly anticipated encounter between heavyweight boxing’s biggest hitters, the American landed a seemingly fatal left hook in the final round.

Read more:  Tyson Fury calls out Anthony Joshua after facing down Usyk

The Bronze Bomber shimmied away, celebrating what he believed to be the biggest win of his career.

Unbeknownst to him, Fury was mustering the strength to make a comeback of biblical proportions as the referee made his standing eight count.

Getting back onto his feet was an achievement in itself, but Fury actually finished the fight the stronger of the two fighters and was unlucky not to be awarded the win.

The result was all the more poignant given Fury’s battles with his mental health, drugs and alcohol in the years prior to the fight.

Whether or not Rooney’s call is heard or not, there is no doubt that Fury has earned his place as one of Britain’s finest fighters.