Hughie Fury vs Michael Hunter, scheduled for Saturday July 2 in Manchester, has been postponed with the British star battling against illness.
The 27-year-old Fury has been preparing for the WBA title eliminator in France, and had been attempting to battle through the illness in a bid to make that date early next month. He has now though been forced to withdraw from the bout.
Hughie ‘physically broke down’
Fury’s father and trainer Peter told Sky Sports Boxing: “On behalf of myself and my son, we apologise to the fans but most of all to Hunter and his team, because like us, they’ve gone through a hard camp and this news is the last thing anyone in boxing wants to hear.
“Hughie struggled on through the illness but physically broke down. We look forward to this fight being rescheduled as it’s a great fight for both men and for the fans around the world. Once again we apologise to everyone involved, but health is paramount in boxing.”
The winner of Fury vs Hunter would be lined up for a shot at the new WBA title holder Daniel Dubois. He claimed the title with a dominant fourth-round knockout of hitherto unbeaten American Trevor Bryan in Miami last weekend.
WBA heavyweight title picture
The WBA regular title now held by Dubois remember is not to be confused with the more recognised WBA super heavyweight title, which is currently held by Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk is expected to rematch Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on August 20 with the IBF and WBO titles also on the line.
It is likely boxing’s heavyweight title hopefuls might have to wait a little longer for their shot at the big guns. That is because the winner of Usyk vs Joshua 2 could end up facing WBC, Ring magazine and lineal heavyweight king Tyson Fury for all the marbles in boxing’s marquee weight class.
