Tyson Fury has been compelled to postpone his unification battle with Oleksandr Usyk after the British heavyweight suffered a “freak reduce” above his eye throughout a sparring session in Riyadh, Queensberry Promotions introduced on Friday.
Fury's World Boxing Council title and Ukrainian fighter Usyk's World Boxing Affiliation, Worldwide Boxing Federation and World Boxing Group titles had been all up for grabs in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
As a substitute, the wait to search out the primary undisputed heavyweight boxing champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 has been postponed, simply 15 days earlier than the extremely anticipated battle was as a result of happen.
“I’m completely devastated after getting ready for this battle for thus lengthy and being in such glorious situation,” the undefeated Fury mentioned in an announcement.
“I really feel sorry for everybody concerned on this large occasion and I’ll work diligently on the brand new date as soon as the attention has healed,” added Fury, who boasts knowledgeable document of 34 wins and one draw.
“I can solely apologize to all these affected.”
Queensberry mentioned the reduce, above Fury's proper eye, “required pressing medical consideration and important stitches”, with promoters posting a photograph of the harm to his face to their X account (previously Twitter).
Fury, 35, added on Instagram: “I can't assist however suppose I bought injured whereas sparring, however what I can say was that Usyk was in hassle. I'm in implausible form.
“I’ll make a brand new appointment as quickly as potential. 2024 can be an awesome yr for workforce GK (Gypsy King, Fury's nickname).”
– 'Historic occasion' –
Fury got here into the battle with the well-regarded Usyk on the again of a controversial split-decision win over former combined martial arts champion Francis Ngannou, making his boxing debut, in October.
However many ringside observers had been assured Fury wouldn't be practically as complacent in opposition to former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk (21-0, 14 knockouts).
Fury aimed to match the feat 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 was not but thought-about a serious sanctioning physique.
A spokesperson for Queensberry added: “It’s clearly an enormous disappointment, after the work that has gone in by so many individuals to lastly deliver this historic occasion to the world.
“As soon as medical doctors have assessed Tyson's eye, we may have a greater thought of the restoration interval required. As soon as that is identified, we are going to work carefully with all stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this battle as quickly as potential.”
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 battle between Ngannou and former British world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, additionally set to happen in Saudi Arabia, might now happen forward of a Fury-Usyk battle.
Joshua, twice defeated by Usyk, will look to again up his spectacular victory 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 battle one another.
AFP
