We will have to wait a little longer for a first undisputed world heavyweight champion since 1999 after that Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk superfight planned for February 17 was postponed.
Fury (34-0-1) and Usyk (21-0) had been due to lock horns in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to produce the first unified heavyweight king of the four-belt era, and the first of any kind since Lennox Lewis more than two decades ago.
But on Friday came the bombshell news that ‘The Gypsy King’ has sustained ‘a freak cut’ during sparring, and will not be able to make that date in just over two weeks’ time.
‘Freak cut’ devastates Fury
Now Fury will take time to recover, and once the cut – which required significant stitching – is healed the fight will be reschedule. Medical checks will be carried out before a timeframe can be determined.
A spokesperson said: “Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after the work that has been done by so many people to finally deliver this historic event 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 stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments.”
A disappointed Tyson 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.”
