Undisputed world heavyweight bout cancelled, Fury devastated

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Lineal heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Oleksander Usyk will not have the undisputed world heavyweight bout on February 17 as was planned. Tyson Fury reacted saying he was devastated.

News from Fury’s camp reported that the big Brit sustained an injury on the face during a sparring session, and that it is less likely to heal before the fixed date for the professional combat.

As part of the training needed before the match, Tyson Fury had reportedly been sparring with southpaws his team brought to his training camp.

The most famous southpaw to have visited Fury’s camp during the preparation was cruiserweight boxer Jai Opetaia. But the latter famously left the camp recently for undisclosed reasons, and many have suggested that one of them might have hurt the other.

Though it is not yet clear how the broken skin came to be, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said he was devastated he would not be meeting the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion in the ring at Saudi Arabia.

‘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.’

As Fury waits for his face to heal, it is being rumoured that Oleksander Usyk might defend his IBF title against the mandatory challenger, Filip Hrgovic, instead. This fight was expected to follow that between Fury and Usyk if the loser did not use the rematch clause.

However, Fury and Usyk are still expected to meet in the ring to crown the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in decades.

According to a spokesman for Fury’s side, doctors will find out how long the wound needs to heal.

‘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.’

If the future were favourable, the fight can still hold this year.