Tyson Fury fight against Oleksandr Usyk postponed as world champion boxer receives 'freak cut'

The fighter has been injured as he trains for the big bout Credit: Queensberry Promotions

Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his unification fight with Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a "freak cut" above his eye during a sparring session in Riyadh, it has been announced.

The heavyweight rivals were due to clash in the Saudi Arabian capital on 17 February 2024.

Fury's WBC belt and the WBA, IBF and WBO titles held by Usyk were set to be on the line, and the winner crowned the division's first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.

Queensberry Promotions said the cut, which opened above Fury's right eye, "required urgent medical attention and significant stitching."

"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," a Queensberry Promotions spokesperson said.

"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."