Tyson Fury's win over Deontay Wilder could cost former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson a major award.
Fury scored a huge victory in Las Vegas on Saturday evening, dethroning Wilder as the WBC heavyweight world champion, securing his fairytale comeback in boxing after his well-publicised battles with mental health.
The victory has made Fury a 2/1 favourite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020, with his odds shortening from 12/1 in just 24 hours. In that time, 95% of all bets through Oddschecker were placed on the Manchester-born boxer.
The victory moved him ahead of Henderson in the odds to claim the award.
After lifting the Champions League trophy last season, Henderson looks highly likely to lift the Premier League trophy in May, with Liverpool 19 points clear at the top of the table, and with a game in hand. The Sunderland academy graduate will then also expect to play a key role in England's campaign at the 2020 European Championships.
He is now second favourite to receive the esteemed accolade, however, thanks to Fury's demolition of Wilder.
"Tyson Fury's ruthless destruction of Deontay Wilder has solidified his claim to being the top heavyweight of his generation," an Oddschecker spokesperson said.
"With such an accolade comes newfound favouritism to become 2020's Sports Personality of the Year.
"The Gypsy King promised for weeks he would knock the hard-hitting Bronze Bomber out in their hugely anticipated rematch.
"If the new WBC and Ring Magazine champ secures another big victory later in the year, SPOTY will surely be his to lose."
Elsewhere, Henderson sent his thanks to Sunderland AFC mentor Kevin Ball on Sunday evening, after the Black Cats legend was honoured at the the North East Football Writers’ Association awards.
Ball was recognised for his outstanding contribution to North East football, receiving The John Fotheringham Award, and Henderson recorded a video message which was played back to Ball and other guests at the Dinner event at Ramside Hall Hotel.
Henderson said: "On a personal level, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
“I don’t think I would have achieved what I have without going through the experience I did with you at such a young age and the foundation that you set for me.
“Giving me responsibility at such a young age, I feel like I’ve taken all of that into my work today and I’ll continue to do that.
“A massive thank you and a massive congratulations.”
Jordan Pickford also sent a message of gratitude to the former Black Cats midfielder who held a key role in the club's academy for a number of years.
