Tyson Fury postpones heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk due to injury
WBC champion Tyson Fury's heavyweight "Ring of Fire" bout against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after Fury sustained a significant cut above his eye during a sparring session, requiring urgent medical attention and significant stitches, according to a statement posted on X from Queensberry Promotions.
Queensberry Promotions have been clear that they will reschedule the fight that was slated for Feb. 17 at Kingdom Arena in Ridadh, Saudi Arabia as soon as possible.
"Once the doctors have appraised Tyson's eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed,” Queensberry Promotions said in the statement. “Once known, we will work diligently with all the stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule the fight as soon as possible and will, of course, keep everyone updated with developments.”
FURY VS USYK STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/z7nf4Q3N70
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) February 2, 2024
Tyson Fury devastated in decision
Tyson Fury expressed his devastation about the fight being called off due to injury, according to ESPN Boxing Insider Mike Coppinger.
“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 apologize 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 said.
Fury-Usyk was originally scheduled for Dec. 23, but after Fury's fight against former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou, he needed time to recover from a cut above his left eye that he suffered during the fight.
Statement from Tyson Fury:
“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…— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) February 2, 2024
Tyson Fury’s record
Tyson Fury has a record of 34-0-1 with 24 KO’s. His most recent fight was against Francis Ngannou, former UFC champion, in Dec. 2023, and Fury won in a split decision over Ngannou, who made his professional boxing debut.
Who is Oleksandr Usyk
Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF title belts and has won an Olympic gold medal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk Heavyweight title fight postponed
