The undisputed heavyweight championship clash between WBC titleholder Tyson Fury 34-0-1 (24) and WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine champion Oleksandr Usyk 21-0 (14) has been rescheduled for May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The bout was originally slated to take place on February 17 before Fury suffered a cut over his right eye in sparring and was forced to withdraw.
The date was confirmed by Turki Alalashikh, chairman of General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, in an interview with The MMA Hour.
“We delayed it for the 18th of May,” Alalshikh said. “I guaranteed to both fighters ten million (dollars) if someone escapes from the fight. This is the first thing. The second thing is, I guarantee a big fight for the other one on that same night.
“Make the people and fans around the world know if someone is scared or wants to escape from this fight. Eighteen of May, we will have Tyson-Usyk, Usyk-Tyson. If someone (is) scared, if Usyk is scared, I will call for Joshua-Tyson. If Tyson’s scared, I will call for any fighters Usyk wants.
“It is my name on this thing. We have availability from both sides.”
Yesterday the General Entertainment Authority issued a press release explaining the delay for the fight.
“Riyadh Season announced today that the much-anticipated boxing match between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, named ‘Ring of Fire’, has been postponed,” the statement read.
“The decision comes after Fury suffered an unfortunate cut above his right eye during a training session in Riyadh. Originally scheduled for February 17 as part of Riyadh Season activities, the fight will be rescheduled at a later date and tickets will be refunded to the public.
“Fury’s injury, which requires medical attention and stitches, necessitates a period of recovery that regrettably renders the February 17 fight impossible. A spokesperson for Tyson Fury expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the tremendous efforts made by numerous parties to bring this historic event to fruition.
“Once the medical team has evaluated Fury’s eye, a clearer understanding of the recovery timeframe will emerge. At that point, all stakeholders, including Riyadh Season, will collaborate diligently to promptly reschedule the fight. Regular updates will be provided to keep everyone informed of the latest developments.
“A disheartened Fury shared his sentiments, expressing the devastation at the setback after months of dedicated preparation and peak physical condition. He extended his apologies to all individuals impacted by the postponement, including his own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, fans, and the gracious host in Riyadh Season.
“Fury remains committed to returning to the ring as soon as his eye has fully healed, eager to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.”
