Featured Image Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images/ Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Topics: Sport, Boxing, Tyson Fury
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Sport, Boxing, Tyson Fury
Warning: This article contains a graphic image which some readers may find distressing.
Tyson Fury's fight against Oleksandr Usyk for the world heavyweight title has been called off.
The pair were set to step in the ring against one another on 17 February in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
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However, earlier today (2 February), Fury is reported as having sustained an injury which needed 'urgent medical attention'.
Queensbury Promotions - owned by Frank Warren - released a statement to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share the update.
It revealed that Fury had sustained 'a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh'.
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"The cut, which opened above Fury's right eye, required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, and will obviously require a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking place on 17 February in Saudi Arabia," the statement explains.
A 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 this historic event to the world."
The spokesperson notes the team will have 'a better idea of the period of recovery needed' once doctors have accessed the damage to Fury's eye.
"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."
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Fury has also spoken out about the turn of events, voicing that he is 'absolutely devastated' the fight is being postponed after he prepared for it for 'so long' and was in 'such superb condition'.
He resolves: "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."
And boxing fans are flooding to social media to weigh in on the announcement.
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One X user said: "Knew this fight would never happen."
"Gutted, half expected it coming but that’s some gash, gonna take a while for that to heal," another added.
A third wrote: "The fight was never on, let’s all be honest."
And a fourth commented: "Get well soon champ."
LADbible has contacted Fury's representatives for further comment.