Tyson Fury says he is "absolutely devastated" after his upcoming heavyweight bout against Oleksandr Usyk was postponed after he suffered a cut above the eye in a sparring session.
The two fighters were due to face one another in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
However, that meeting has now been postponed in light of Fury suffering what has been described as a "freak cut" during sparring as he prepared for the fight.
In a statement reacting to the bout later this month being postponed and a picture being released showing a cut above his eye, Fury admits he is "absolutely devastated" and admits he "feels bad for everyone" the fight can no longer take place as originally planned and must be rescheduled.
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Fury said: "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 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."
A new date for the fight in Riyadh has not yet been announced, as it will take time for Fury's injury to heal after the injury required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, though it is understood that the undefeated Brit will now not be able compete this month.
A spokesperson for Queensberry Promotions said: "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."
Team Uysk are now working on a potential fight with Filip Hrgovic, who is the current IBF mandatory challenger.
Topics: Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing
John McDougall