- Undisputed clash postponed after freak injury to Fury
- WBC Champion suffers cut above eye
- Hrgovic eyes up Usyk bout
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Fury injury causes undisputed clash rescheduled for May 18
Tyson Fury’s eagerly awaited undisputed heavyweight title showdown against Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed following an unexpected injury sustained by the British boxer during training. Saudi Arabian organisers and Team Fury have though moved quickly to secure a new date for the fight. It will now take place on May 18.
Fury, aged 35, suffered a “freak” cut above his right eye during sparring at his training camp in Saudi Arabia on Friday. The injury required immediate medical attention, including significant stitching, prompting the postponement of the bout scheduled for February 17th in Riyadh.
Fury stated that he was “absolutely devastated” by the setback. The clash was poised to be a historic event, with Fury holding the WBC title and Ukraine’s Usyk, aged 37, in possession of the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts.
Fury had been diligently preparing for the bout and asserted his superb physical condition for the match against Usyk, whom he had been anticipating facing for quite some time.
“I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye is healed,” Fury commented at the time of the postponement, acknowledging the disappointment of fans and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic had expressed his readiness to step in for Fury, emphasising his eagerness to face Usyk as per the mandatory shot requirement. There were fears he could be stripped of the IBF title if Fury was sidelined for several months and he did not face Hrgovic. However, with the new date set for May, this fight is unlikely to happen between now and then.
While Fury’s injury has disappointed fans and cast uncertainty over the much-anticipated bout, there remains hope for a swift recovery and the eventual realisation of the historic clash between two heavyweight champions.
Betting Implications
Bettors need to monitor Fury’s return to fitness, along with the general progress of the two fighters ahead of the new date.
Check out our preview to the big unification bout on May 18 ahead of making your picks.
Check out the best betting sites in the UK and the best boxing bookies ahead of making your picks.
