Oleksandr Usyk Explains Reasons Why Duel Against Tyson Fury Was Postponed

Oleksandr Usyk in plans to fight Tyson Fury to win the undisputed heavyweight world title (photo: INSTAGRAM)

JAKARTA – Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk revealed the reason the fight against Tyson Fury was postponed until February next year.

Usyk was originally scheduled to fight Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 23. However, the duel between the two heavyweight rulers was then postponed.

Reports say their duel will most likely be moved to February 2024. However, definite confirmation regarding the schedule has not yet been announced.

"It could be February and I really want it to happen in February," said Usyk, who owns the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO belts, as reported by Manchester Evening.

The schedule for the duel for the undisputed heavyweight title was postponed after Fury was forced to work hard in a cross-disciplinary match against former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, at the end of last month.

In the duel against Ngannou, Fury was knocked down. Therefore, the fighter nicknamed The Gypsy King feels he needs more time to prepare himself to challenge Usyk.

"I'm ready to fight on the 23rd [of December], but because Fury got some injuries in that fight [against Ngannou] it might be postponed until next year," Usyk said.

Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, also confirmed the postponement of the duel against Usyk. He confirmed that his client would not enter the ring in December after a tough duel with Ngannou.

"Tyson can't go to training camp after a tough fight like that. He needs at least a little time to recover and then get into camp. That will be early next year," Frank said.

On the other hand, Ngannou wants a rematch against Fury after feeling he could be robbed of a deserved victory.

However, the rematch will take place after Fury fights Usyk. Ngannou in his latest statement admitted that he would patiently wait for Fury for their rematch.