Now the Olympics star needs your help to decide whether to tone down his ties to the city.

Tony flew the flag for Sunderland when he brought an Olympic boxing medal home to Wearside.

But former super-middleweight world champion, Steve Collins, has advised the "Mighty Mackem" to play down his red and white roots so as not to alienate other North East fans.

The comments have sparked a huge Internet debate with scores coming forward to support Tony, whose high-profile appearances have helped put
Sunderland on the sporting map.

Tony, who has asked fans to help him decide if he should tone down his red and white image, said: "The reason people are telling me to change my SAFC ways is because they see me only marketing myself in Sunderland which I love doing.

"Loads of different people are telling me I should stop doing those things, and stop always mentioning Sunderland in interviews too.

"The reason they say that is because I'm ignoring other areas in the North East, like Newcastle, Durham and Middlesbrough, and their boxing fans."

Over the years, Tony has become a passionate ambassador for his home city, making appearances at events across Wearside, championing local charities such as the Grace House Appeal and wearing red and white shorts in the ring.

Fans on his Facebook website have spoken out to show their support for the boxing champion.

Another well-known Mackem Steve Turner, aka the Mackem Mover, wrote: "Every boxer has an identity so you would only have to think of something to replace it all with, and whatever you come up with, someone somewhere would have a problem with it, so stick to the real you.

"People love that more than a gimmick."

One fan, named Adam, wrote: "Look at Hatton and his support and he was always banging on about Manchester City. Came out to true blue music.

"After being at all your fights and seeing how it brought everyone together, even down Barnsley, I think you should just keep on doing what you're doing."

However, some supporters think losing the Mighty Mackem tag could work in Tony's favour.

Fan Andy said: "You are looking to get maximum exposure and generate as much interest as you possibly can. Just because you ditch a nickname doesn't mean you would forget your roots.

"It's time to harvest fans from a larger catchment area than just Sunderland and if that means not wearing red and white, so be it."