The long-awaited heavyweight championship unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after Fury sustained what promoters called “a freak cut” during sparring.
Fury and Usyk were all set to face off for boxing’s undisputed heavyweight championship of the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 17, but the bout has been postponed following news of Fury’s injury, which required “urgent medical attention and significant stitching” after a sparring session in Riyadh this week.
The news of the bout’s postponement was announced by Queensberry Promotions, with a spokesperson stating, “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.”
Fury also issued a statement through the promoters, saying, “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.”
