Tyson Fury forced to postpone the unification match with Oleksandr Usyk Queensberry Promotions announced Friday after the British heavyweight suffered an “unusual cut” above his eye during a sparring session in Riyadh.
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Fury's World Boxing Council title and Ukrainian fighter Usyk's World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization belts were all scheduled to go on display in Saudi Arabia on February 17th.
Instead, the wait to find heavyweight boxing's first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 was postponed just 15 days before the highly anticipated bout was scheduled to take place.
Undefeated Tyson Fury said in a statement: “I am absolutely devastated as I have been preparing for this fight for a long time and was in such great shape.”
Fury, who has a professional record of 34 wins and one draw, added: “I feel sorry for everyone involved in this huge event. Once my eye has healed I will be working hard towards the postponed dates.” Ta.
“All I can do is apologize to everyone affected.”
Queensberry told promoters that a cut above Fury's right eye “required urgent medical treatment and extensive stitches.” Post An image of the damage to his face was posted on the X account (formerly Twitter).
Tyson Fury, 35, added on Instagram: I'm in great shape.
“We will reschedule as soon as possible. 2024 is going to be a big year for Team GK (Gypsy King, nicknamed Fury).”
“Historical event”
Fury was taking on the highly-touted Usyk following a controversial split decision win over former mixed martial arts champion Francis Ngannou, who made his boxing debut in October.
However, many ringside observers were convinced that Fury would not be satisfied with former cruiserweight champion Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs).
Tyson Fury will match the feat of fellow British heavyweight Lewis, who defeated Evander Holyfield to win the WBC, WBA and IBF titles 25 years ago, at a time when the WBO was not yet considered a major sanctioning body. I was aiming to be comparable.
A Queensberry spokesperson added: “Obviously it's a great shame given the effort that so many people have put in to finally bring this historic event to the world.
“Once doctors assess Tyson's eyes, we will have a better idea of the recovery period required. Once we know, we will work with all parties and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible.” I will work hard.”
Friday's postponement has left heavyweight boxing in suspended animation as far as Keybert is concerned.
A non-title fight between Ngannou and Britain's former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on March 8 is also scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, potentially ahead of the Fury-Usyk fight.
Joshua, who lost to Usyk twice, is aiming for a stunning stoppage victory over Sweden's Otto Wallin in December as he continues his quest to become a three-time world champion.
Fury and Joshua have not fought yet.
Written by Garyn Lambly ©Agence France-Presse
