The clash of titans, set for 17 February in Riyadh, has been shelved after Fury suffered a nasty cut above his right eye during a sparring session in his Saudi training camp last Friday.
The gash was so severe it demanded “urgent medical attention” and “significant stitching,” throwing a wrench into what was billed as the undisputed heavyweight title showdown. Fury, at 35, reigning WBC champ, and Usyk, 37, the Ukrainian powerhouse holding the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, were poised to make history in the first undisputed heavyweight championship in the four-belt era.
Fury expressed his heartbreak over the situation, stating he was “absolutely devastated” by the turn of events. Despite being in “superb condition” and gearing up for Usyk for ages, the Gypsy King now faces a forced hiatus, leaving fans and stakeholders in limbo.
Not one to stay down, Fury took to Instagram with a fighter’s spirit, promising a comeback and hinting at a rescheduled date. “Can’t help getting injured in sparring, but Usyk was in trouble,” he posted, teasing a massive year ahead for team GK in 2024.
In a cheeky twist, Usyk’s promoter threw a low blow, suggesting retirement might be Fury’s best move, while IBF mandatory challenger, Croatian powerhouse Filip Hrgovic, seized the moment to challenge Usyk, demanding his shot at glory.
Originally slated for a December face-off, the fight’s delay marks yet another hiccup in Fury’s turbulent career. With 34 wins and a single draw under his belt since 2008, the Morecambe-born fighter’s path to this point has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by high-stakes drama and unexpected setbacks.
As the boxing world reels from this latest uppercut, all eyes are on the recovery and the potential for a rescheduled bout that could redefine heavyweight boxing history.
View this post on Instagram
