By Gabriel Princewill-
Tyson Fury’s heavyweight unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after the unbeaten Gypsy King sustained a major cut during a hot sparring session.
The news comes as a blow to boxing fans, most of whom were looking forward to the historical unification clash- the first in over two decades since Lennox Lewis unified the division by defeating Evander Holyfield in November 1999.
Fury suffered a severe cut above his right eye on Friday requiring 15 stitches. The freak incident has led to the highly anticipated fight being put off.
In a statement reacting to the development, Fury said:
‘I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight so long and being in such superb condition,’ a dejected Fury said.
‘I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has healed.
A Queensberry Promotions spokesperson added: “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 the 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 the fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments”.
It is the first time Fury has pulled out of a boxing contest since the beginning of his professional career.
Unbeaten in 35 fights with one draw, Fury has long been considered the man to beat in the sport’s premiere division.
His defeat of Wladmir Klitschko in 2015 and the two emphatic victories over previously unbeaten American puncher, Deontey Wilder, established his position as the leading heavyweight in the world.
Fury subsequently stopped Dillian Whyte and Chisora to defend his belt, before his non-title shaky win over Ngannou in October 2023 in which he was dropped in the third round.
He was roundly criticized for a sub optimal showing against a novice in the sport, notwithstanding Ngannou’s professional experience in UFC. Ngannou showed his mettle in that fight, and has been presented another opportunity to perform against Anthony Joshua on March 8th.
However, since the emergence of the talented Olegsander Usyk, who conquered the cruiserweight division, the Ukranian has become a formidable force in the higher echelons of the heavyweight division.
He has so far demonstrated a high level of potency in defeating Derek Chisora, dethroning Anthony Joshua to claim the IBF, WBO and WBA titles , and most recently, Daniel Dubois.
The Ukranian was considered to pose a realistic threat against Fury for this big fight.
Supremely talented: Olegsander was looking forward to shining against Fury
In the meantime, the probability has risen that Usyk will face IBF mandatory contender, 32 year old Filip Hrgovic on the same date as a replacement for the aborted Fury clash.
Hrgovic at 6ft 6 inches, is unbeaten in 17 fights, and is a dangerous prospect in the heavyweight division. He possesses a big punch, and is quite industrious in the ring.
Hrgovic may be next opponent for Usyk Image: Matchroomboxing.com
Hrgovic will be a big test for Usyk if he takes Fury’s place on the 17th, and the giant will be looking to scupper all plans for an Usyk showdown with Fury later in the year.