Former world champion predicted Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk wouldn't go ahead on February 17 as quotes resurface

A former world champion has previously predicted Tyson Fury’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk would not take place on 17 February.

Bill as one of the biggest fights in boxing history, fans were left bitterly disappointed when it was announced on Friday evening that Fury vs Usyk has been postponed.

The fight will be rescheduled after Fury suffered a cut above his eye during a sparring session.

Fury said: “I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye is healed

“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.”

Speaking last month, former world champion Chris Algieri predicted that the fight would not go ahead on the original date.

He said, via Boxing Insider: “I think the fight’s going to happen. I’m not so sure it’s going to happen in six weeks, because like Shawn says, Fury likes to be the captain of his own ship and he thinks the whole world revolves around whatever the hell he says and for a time it definitely did. I’m not sure it’s going to happen when it’s supposed to, but I do think it’s going to happen at some point.”

Getty

Algieri’s prediction came after another former title holder, Shaw Porter, claimed that Fury would be more interested in WWE than boxing.

He said: “What we know about Tyson Fury is he’s a showman. What we know about Tyson Fury is he likes things to be his way or no way.

“I don’t feel like this is the kind of energy he (Fury) wants to exert anymore in the boxing ring, which is why he went after Francis Ngannou…those are the kind of fights he’s looking for, things that are going to give him the money, and the recognition, and the nights that he won’t have to trade hard for. Don’t be surprised if something comes up with the WWE before this.”

On the back of the postponement, it has been reported that Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic could step in for Fury and fight Usyk on 17 February.