Tyson Fury offers to buy 'UK's biggest gold chain and cross' from kid who reached out

Tyson Fury has offered to buy the biggest golden crucifix and chain in the UK when it comes up for auction to save it from being melted down for scrap.

The boxer said he was willing to bid £25,000 for the gleaming golden cross and chain to get his hands on the piece.

The nine inch long crucifix is made of nine carat gold and attached to a thick, heavy chain of the same metal.

All in all the cross and chain weights about 1.5kg, which might weigh down many people but would likely pose little problem sitting around Fury's neck.

Fury announced his intentions on Instagram, saying he'd seen that the gold chain was up for sale and in desperate need of a buyer, writing that he 'will give £25k for it to save it from the skrap pile'.

Perhaps Fury can wear it into the ring for his next boxing match, having recently announced a U-turn on his retirement from the sport as he plans for a third fight with Derek Chisora.

The crucifix currently belongs to 33-year-old Andreo Montanino, who bought it in Birmingham's jewellery quarter in honour of his devout Roman Catholic grandmother.

Now putting the golden chain up for auction, he had been hoping it would attract the attention of high profile sports stars who might want to get their hands on it.

He said: "I found it at a bullion place where people send gold to be scrapped and items are usually processed quickly.

"That was three months ago. Now I hope bringing it to auction will help me find someone who will treasure it."

"It’s perfect for a sportsman, celebrity or someone from the music world who likes to make a big statement, perhaps a rapper. I really hope it finds a good home because that’s what nan would have wanted."

Also quite excited at Fury's clear intent to buy the gold chain are Hansons Auctioneers, who will be putting the item up for sale on 22 September and are very happy to have a high-profile buyer seemingly lined up.

They shared Fury's social media post online and said they were 'thrilled' that a legend like Fury would take an interest in the giant golden cross.

Helen Smith, head of jewellery at Hansons, said a 'devout Christian' like Fury would be the 'perfect' buyer for the giant cross and chain.

She was glad that he would appreciate the significance of the item, which she believes 'could be the biggest necklace of its kind in the UK'.

She said: "I have never seen anything like this, or as big as this, before and we might not see anything like it again.

"It’s extra special. The chain links are huge and quality workmanship has gone into creating the iconic religious imagery of the crucifix."

"It deserves to remain intact – not melted down for scrap. Let’s hope we can save it for posterity –and Andreo's nan."