Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk OFF as 'freak cut' in sparring forces huge bout to be postponed

Tyson Fury's blockbuster fight with Oleksandr Usyk is OFF.

The WBC heavyweight champion has been forced to postpone the bout due to take place on February 17 after suffering a freak cut during a sparring session. The cut required urgent medical attention and will now need time to recover. Fury has released a statement to express how devastated he is at the situation but has vowed to work diligently towards a rescheduled date for the huge fight.

A Queensberry promotions statement read "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 February 17 in Saudi Arabia."

A spokesman explained: "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. Once the doctors have appraised Tyson's eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed. Once known we 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."

Fury 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,