Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk set for February as Ukrainian champ explains Gypsy King showdown delay

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off for the World Heavyweight title in February, according to the Ukrainian.

The pair had been expected to get in the ring on 23 December in Saudi Arabia. But that was thrown into doubt after Fury's controversial win over UFC champ Francis Ngannou, in which the boxing novice had Fury on the canvas and arguably deserved the win on points despite the Gypsy King being awarded a split decision victory.

The WBC top dog looked sluggish and out of shape against an opponent who had never boxed professionally before. And it's caused many to question how he can hope to handle Usyk, who currently holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts. Contracts had been signed for the Riyadh bout next month, but flexibility on the date was required after Ngannou almost shocked the world. However, Usyk has now said that he expects to be lacing up the gloves to fight Fury in February. A more specific date for the unbeaten pair to put their 0s on the line in the Middle East should be confirmed next week.

Usyk told Reuters from his training camp in Valencia: "It could be February and I would very much like it to be February. I was ready to fight on the 23rd but since Fury got some injuries in the last fight, a knockdown, then probably it will be postponed to next year."