WORLD boxing champion Tyson Fury has sent a video message of support to his big mate Glenn McCrory whose life story is the subject of a new play.

In it he urges people to go see Carrying David, which plays London in three weeks' time before transferring to Newcastle's prestigious Theatre Royal.

McCrory was encouraged and motivated by his terminally ill brother David when he won the cruiserweight world title in 1989 to become the very first person from the North-East to lift such a coveted belt.

The Northern Echo:

Glenn McCrory after winning in 1989

The title of the highly dramatic show, Carrying David, reflects the love the McCrory brothers had for each other after David was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a debilitating disease that affects muscles, speech and breathing.

McCrory would carry his adopted brother on his back to school and David later became the motivational voice on his shoulder, both real and metaphorical, that kept him going through his dark days when he literally hit the canvass and was written off.

Fury, who beat Deontay Wilder to win the WBC title two weeks ago in Las Vegas, urges people to support this fantastic story when it plays Newcastle Theatre Royal on April 9 and 10.

Fury said: “Hi everyone, get down to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle to see the story about my pal Glenn McCrory about his love for his disabled brother, Carrying David. All the best, God bless.

At the Las Vegas event, McCrory was commentating for TalkSport radio and Fury blew him a kiss in his ring celebrations.

Playwright Ed Waugh, who wrote Carrying David, based on Glenn's autobiography, said: "While Tyson Fury's life story is well documented about battling depression, alcohol and drugs to becoming someone who will be as revered as Mohammad Ali in the future, I can assure you Glenn's story and David's role in his achievement is as interesting and even more dramatic."

The Northern Echo:

Micky Cochrane stars as Glenn McCrory 

Starring Micky Cochrane as Glenn McCrory, Carrying David received critical acclaim on its North-East premiere in June and on its transfer to Northern Ireland in November.

Ed, who also wrote Hadaway Harry, The Great Joe Wilson and Mr Corvan's Music Hall, added: "Carrying David is a tremendous theatrical experience.

“It's both funny and heartbreaking. The show has received a standing ovation at every venue it has played."

He added: "The Belfast Telegraph said it "transcended boxing" which is a great description because the basis of the story is the love two brother have for each other. One is fighting for glory, the other is fighting for his life.

Carrying David will do an out-of-town run at London's Canal Cafe, Little Venice, on April 3, 4 and 5 before being presented at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Thursday, April 9 and 10.