Why has Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk been postponed?

After a lackluster buildup to what should be the most exciting boxing match on the planet comes to a head, there are now reports that the fight must be postponed due to Tyson Fury getting cut during sparring.

As the Gypsy King, who is the lineal WBC heavyweight world champion, prepares to take on Oleksandr Usyk, who has all of the other world titles, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Boxing has released a statement saying that the fight must be postponed.

The full text reads:

“WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his fight with unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh.

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 17th February in Saudi Arabia.

A spokesperson said: ‘Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after teh 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 stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments.’

A disappointed Tyson added: ‘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.’”

Much public criticism has been levelled at the event which was seen by the boxing public at large as having a weak undercard for the pay per view cost.

Let’s hope that the delay will serve to strengthen the event rather than weaken it.