Friday, February 2, 2024 – Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed, after the Britolish boxing star suffered a ‘freak cut’ in training.
The fight, which was scheduled for 17 February in Saudi
Arabia, was due to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.
However, it was announced on Friday, February 2 that the
fight has been pushed back, after Fury sustained a severe cut over his eye
while sparring.
A statement from the 35-year-old’s promoters, Queensberry,
read: “WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his
fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during
a sparring session in Riyadh.
“The cut, which opened above Fury’s right eye, required
urgent medical attention and significant stitching, and will obviously require
a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking
place on 17 February in Saudi Arabia.”
Fury said: “I am absolutely devastated after preparing for
this fight for so long and being in such superb condition. I feel bad for
everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the
rescheduled date once the eye has healed.
“I can only apologise to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, and fans, as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
On Instagram, Fury added: “Can’t help getting injured in
sparring, but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape.
I will reschedule [as] soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK [Gypsy
King].”
A spokesperson for Fury said: “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 stakeholders and the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible, and will
of course keep everyone updated with developments.”
Fury last fought in October, controversially beating ex-UFC
champion Francis Ngannou on points in Riyadh. The fight, which marked Ngannou’s
boxing debut, was not a WBC title contest.
However, the belt was due to be defended in Riyadh on 17
February, with Usyk putting the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles on the line as
well. The winner of the bout would have been crowned the first undisputed
heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis lost that status in 2000.
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