Tyson Fury has been compelled to postpone his unification struggle with Oleksandr Usyk after the British heavyweight suffered a “freak cut” above his eye throughout a sparring session in Riyadh, Queensberry Promotions introduced on Friday.
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Fury’s World Boxing Council title and Ukrainian fighter Usyk’s World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation belts had been all set to be up for grabs in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
Instead the wait to seek out heavyweight boxing’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 has been delayed simply 15 days earlier than the eagerly-anticipated bout was because of happen.
“I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight for so long and being in such superb condition,” mentioned the undefeated Tyson Fury in a press release.
“I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has healed,” added Fury, who boasts knowledgeable file of 34 wins and one draw.
“I can only apologise to everyone affected.”
Queensberry mentioned the minimize, above Fury’s proper eye, “required urgent medical attention and significant stitching”, with the promoters posting a picture of the injury achieved to his face on their X account (previously Twitter).
The 35-year-old Tyson Fury added on Instagram: “Can’t assist getting injured in sparring however what I can say was Usyk was in hassle. I’m in implausible form.
“I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK (Gypsy King, Fury’s nickname).”
‘Historic event’
Fury was coming into the bout with the well-regarded Usyk after a controversial split-decision win over former combined martial arts champion Francis Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut, in October.
But many ringside observers had been satisfied Fury can be nowhere close to as complacent towards former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk (21-0, 14 knockouts).
Tyson Fury had been aiming to match the achievement of fellow British heavyweight Lewis, who defeated Evander Holyfield 25 years in the past to win the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles at a time when the WBO weren’t but considered a serious sanctioning physique.
A Queensberry spokesperson added: “It is clearly a large disappointment, after the work that has been achieved by so many individuals to lastly ship this historic occasion to the world.
“Once the doctors have appraised Tyson’s eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed. Once known we will work diligently with all the stake-holders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible.”
Friday’s postponement has left heavyweight boxing in a state of suspended animation so far as key belts are involved.
The March 8 non-title struggle between Ngannou and Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, additionally set to happen in Saudi Arabia, may now be staged forward of a Fury-Usyk bout.
Joshua, twice defeated by Usyk, will probably be aiming to back-up his commanding stoppage-win over Sweden’s Otto Wallin in December as he continues his quest to turn out to be a three-time world champion.
Fury and Joshua have but to struggle one another.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
