Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with response to Tyson Fury pulling out

02 February 2024 , 18:34

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Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with response to Tyson Fury pulling out

Oleksandr Usyk responded to Tyson Fury pulling out of their undisputed fight by immediately taking to the ring to spar.

Fury’s showdown against Usyk for all four major world heavyweight titles has been postponed because of a “freak cut” the Briton has sustained above his right eye. Fury was due to defend his WBC belt on February 17 in Saudi Arabia against his Ukrainian rival, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, in the first undisputed world heavyweight title fight of this century.

But with just 15 days to go until one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Fury’s promoters Queensberry announced their charge had suffered an injury during a sparring session at his Riyadh training camp.

Fury said in a statement: “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."

He later added on social media: "Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK." Usyk's promoter, meanwhile, took to social media to post a photo of the Ukrainian sparring with the caption, "Usyk right now" and the face-palm emoji.

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A statement from Fury's promoters Queensberry read: "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 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.

Briton Fury was entering the fight with Ukrainian Usyk – which had been billed as ‘Ring of Fire’ – on the back of October’s fraught split-decision victory over former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut. The Cameroonian dropped Fury in the third round but was ultimately beaten on points.

Martin Domin