The much-anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will take place on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
The Ukrainian heavyweight champion’s clash with the Gypsy King has been long-awaited by supporters, and initially planned for December 23.
However, following Fury’s encounter with Francis Ngannou in their ‘Battle of the Baddest’ clash last month, organisers put the breaks on their face-off in a bid to give Fury more time to ready himself.
Despite winning via split decision, Fury was taken the distance by the MMA star in Riyadh, and at one point knocked to the canvas by the Cameroonian fighter.
The English lineal heavyweight champion received a cut forehead and a black eye from his opponent, and with a little longer necessary by way of recovery time for his fighter, promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the rescheduled fight would take place in the new year.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s rescheduled fight could be set to take place on February 17
The pair’s long-awaited clash has been delayed somewhat following Fury’s challenging clash with Francis Ngannou (right)
The Ukrainian fighter previously admitted that he was hopeful that the fight would take place in February 2024
But as per ESPN, a date is on the brink of being confirmed, with the re-arranged clash set to take place midway through February 2024 in Riyadh.
When asked about his thoughts on when the fight should take place, Usyk shared he was hopeful the meeting would take place in February, whilst taking part in his training camp in Valencia.
Warren previously shared that the delay would in no way impact the fight going ahead – in part due to the success of Fury’s tussle with Ngannou.
‘All the people in the arena loved every minute,’ Warren said of the event. ‘A lot of young people cheering like crazy. The fight added to that amazing pre-fight sound and light show. This has to be the most spectacular boxing event ever staged.
December 23 could instead play host to Anthony Joshua (pictured) against Otto Wallin
‘It doesn’t matter to the Saudis when the Usyk fight takes place, as long as it’s in Riyadh. Not when the Crown Prince (Mohammad bin Salman) is a huge boxing fan himself.’
Whilst December 23 won’t play host to Fury-Usyk, last week Warren hyped a ‘historical night of boxing’ with a new-look card in the Kingdom on newly available date.
Mail Sport reported on Saturday that both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were on the cusp of signing deals to star in Saudi Arabia that night – albeit against different opponents.
Joshua is thought to be preparing to face former Fury opponent Otto Wallin, whilst Wilder could face Joseph Parker on the same card.
