Oleksandyr Usyk camp have already lined up replacement for Tyson Fury fight

Oleksandr Usyk is ready to fight on May 18, even if Tyson Fury withdraws from their match for the third time.

Usyk and Fury were almost ready for their undisputed heavyweight world title fight next weekend but Fury had to pull out last Friday due to a cut above his right eye from training. The fight has been rescheduled twice, it was originally set for December 23.

Usyk thought about asking top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic to step in for Fury, but instead the original fight was postponed. However, the Ukrainian doesn't want to miss another fight date and might face the Croatian if Fury can't make it to the first bell.

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Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk has said: "In case he [Fury] withdraws from the fight, a replacement should be foreseen in advance. In case, for some reason, he has a cut on his heel or anything, a fight will take place under any circumstances."

On the possibility of a deal with Hrgovic, Krassyuk added: "In my heart it was already done and with Oleksandr it was almost done as well, but it's up to the Saudis to decide because it's their show. They are organising it and it's their decision, we did everything we could to save the show. we saw reports saying Filip Hrgovic was ready to take the fight but it is what it is. We are now preparing for May 18, whomever the opponent is."

After getting 11 stitches for a cut, Fury has gone back to Morecambe. He plans to return to Saudi Arabia for training, while Usyk will visit his newborn daughter in Ukraine before training in Valencia for the new fight