Eddie Hearn reacts to 'fishy' conspiracy claims about Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk postponement

Eddie Hearn has responded to bizarre conspiracy theories that are spreading the wake of the postponement of Tyson Fury's undisputed heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

WBC champion Fury was expected to face WBA, IBF and WBO belt holder Usyk in Saudi Arabia on February 17.

But the bout was called off on Friday after British fighter Fury sustained a "freak" cut above his right eye during a sparring session.

In a statement, Fury said he was "devastated" by the injury.

"I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has healed," said Fury.

"I can only apologise to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, and fans, as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Conspiracy theories have swirled on social media after the announcement, stoked by members of Usyk's team – who have accused Fury of attempting the avoid facing the Ukrainian.

However, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to dismiss those conspiracy claims and stated that setbacks like this are common in boxing.

"It looks like a bad cut," Hearn told iFL TV.

"I've seen in the footage that it’s an elbow or something like that. He spars with an open head guard, but he's sparred thousands of rounds in his career.

"Even in my group chats with my mates saying, 'That sounds fishy to me', I'm like 'Guys, what do you think? He's not just going to go out and carve himself open with a knife!'.

FURY VS USYK STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/z7nf4Q3N70

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) February 2, 2024

"He's trained a whole camp, it's two weeks away from a monster pay day and a fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

"It's not a hooky, it’s boxing, it happens, but it’s devastating that it happens to a fight of that magnitude."

However, not all are convinced, with Usyk's manager lashing out at Fury after the announcement.

"Tyson Fury is a f***ing coward who will do anything not to face Usyk, and he asked his b**** to hit him with a frying pan in his brow," Egis Klimas told Ring TV.

"You can quote me word for word for that."