Tyson Fury out of heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk after suffering 'freak cut' in training

Tyson Fury’s long-awaited heavyweight title showdown with Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after the Brit suffered a "freak" injury in training.

WBC Champion Fury was set to square off in a unification fight against Usyk, holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO titles.

Fury suffered a cut while sparring that has required stitches, ruling him out of the bout which was scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 17.

The Gypsy King was to return to the Kingdom Arena after his , with Fury knocked to the canvas by the debutant in the third round.

The fight postponement was confirmed by Queensbury, Frank Warren's promotion company, with a spokesperson saying: "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 stake-holders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments."

Fury was also quoted in the statement: "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."

Fury also responded to the news on Instagram, saying: "Can't help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK #undisputed #wbcking."

Warren told TalkSport that Fury's cut occurred in Riyadh "in sparring with a Croatian heavyweight who caught his eye with his elbow".

The winner of the fight between Fury and Usyk would have become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999, when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in Paradise, Nevada, with Lewis winning by unanimous decision.

Usyk has defeated Anthony Joshua twice on his road to facing Fury, and in his most recent bout.

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