Today Morecambe, tomorrow the world. Tyson Fury’s pursuit of global dominance in the heavyweight ranks has taken an unexpected detour.

Before conquering Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, he has first captured the sleepy seaside town of Morecambe in the palm of one of his giant hands.

It might not be an automatic fit – but the 6ft 9in British and Commonwealth champion is already a big hit among the locals.

"Every day I go for a run along the promenade and it’s beautiful," said 23-year-old Fury. "I’ve got the sea to one side and all that fresh air.

"I don’t think I’ve managed to get through a run yet without someone stopping me for a photograph or a chat.

"But that’s much better than if no one wanted to talk to me."

The Wilmslow fighter has fully embraced coastal living – setting up home with his wife, Paris and two children, Venezuela and Prince.

"I was living at the back of my uncle’s house in a static home in Lancaster like a hermit," he said. "What’s the point?

"Morecambe is a small town and I know everyone already. I get great support from them – it’s not every day you get a heavyweight champion moving in.

"And the football team isn’t very good so I’m the only celebrity in town.

"I’ve already got my favourite places where I’ll go for a coffee or something to eat. I could get free drinks and meals, but I’m not like that. I don’t take advantage."

Fury doesn’t show such generosity to his opponents – either inside the ring or out.

He was heavily criticised claiming he would ‘kill’ Dereck Chisora before their clash in July – even if he was clearly speaking metaphorically.

For his Commonwealth title defence against Nevan Pajkic at Event City on Saturday, he has promised to make his rival suffer – claiming the Canadian champion has insulted his family.

"I’m going to punish him," said Fury. "I’m going to make him suffer. Unlike in other fights when I’ve got the beating of someone and I finish them off, I’m going to stand off and tease him.

"It’s a gruesome sport and I’m not just going to knock him out. If I cut him, I’m going to work on it. I want to make him quit."

It’s a far cry from the doting husband and loving father to their children that Paris knows.

"This time he is upset," said the 21-year-old, who first met Fury at her 16th birthday party. "Usually it’s publicity because he’s selling a fight.

"You always see after a fight that he is the first to go over and help his opponent up and see that they are all right. It’s a sport."

It’s a sport that has dominated their relationship, from having to return from honeymoon in time for Fury’s first professional fight – or causing him to miss the birth of their first child when fighting in Ireland.

"He was boxing the night before and the plan was for him to come back if anything happened," Paris explains. "But the baby came early.

"It was like something that you see in the movies. I was calling him every name. I still haven’t forgiven him."

The truth is, Paris is her husband’s biggest fan.

Even heavily pregnant, she was at ringside cheering loudest as he produced his defining performance so far to claim Chisora’s British title at Wembley Arena.

"I’m really proud of him," she said. "You hear so many people say what they are going to do – but he’s actually doing it.

"When I first met him, I hardly spoke to him because I thought he was about 25. He’s always looked the same.

"From the age of 16 he’s been telling me he will be world champion one day. I hope he goes all the way."

TICKETS for Fury v Pajkic, starting at £30, are on sale from and may be purchased via Hennessy Sports Box Office 01925 755 222, Ticketline.co.uk 0844 888 4402, Ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 847 2500 and online at www.hennessysports.com