Tyson Fury’s clash with Oleksandr Usyk is off after ‘The Gypsy King’ suffered a cut in training.
The highly anticipated clash was due to take place on February 17th for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
His promoter Frank Warren today released a statement on the fight.
The statement says:
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 17th February in Saudi Arabia.
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 added: “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.”
FURY VS USYK STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/z7nf4Q3N70
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) February 2, 2024
It looks like we will have to wait a little longer to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
‼️ Tyson Fury's cut suffered in sparring today that has caused the Oleksandr Usyk fight to be postponed. pic.twitter.com/eMdWYTofYb
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 2, 2024