Usyk is continuing to prepare for February 17 and could now fight someone elseCredit: Alex Krassyuk – Instagram

The bout will now be delayed with the new date unknown at present.

Usyk’s camp have said that they’ve been left with the impression it could be ‘several months’ before Fury is ready to reschedule.

Therefore, the Ukrainian still wants to go ahead with a different bout on February 17 and, according to multiple reports, IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic is being discussed as a replacement opponent.

Shortly after the news broke on Friday, Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk posted an image on social media showing the champion carrying on with his sparring as normal.

While the rest of the boxing world reacted with devastation to the postponement, Krassyuk simply captioned his post: “Usyk right now.”

A statement from 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.”

The cut that has caused the fight to be postponedCredit: Queensberry