Fury's showdown with Usyk 'set to take place in February'

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Tyson Fury’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk set ‘for February in Saudi Arabia’ despite heavyweight rivals claiming they were ready for planned December 23 bout

  • Tyson Fury struggled in a tougher-than-expected bout with Francis Ngannou
  • The 35-year-old was left battered and bruised following his controversial victory
  • Listen to Mail Sport’s new boxing podcast THE HOOK – with exclusive interviews 

Tyson Futy’s undisputed heavyweight championship fight with Oleksandr Usyk is now planned for February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to ESPN.

The showdown had been planned for December 23 before Fury struggled in a tougher-than-expected bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on Saturday night in Riyadh. 

The 35-year-old was left battered and bruised following his controversial victory in one of the most eagerly-anticipated bouts of the year.

After the decision was announced, Usyk entered the ring to confront Fury and set up their showdown.

’23 of December, I’m ready to fight,’ said Usyk, who stepped into the ring after the decision was rendered. ‘Let’s go now if you want,’ said Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion. ‘

Tyson Fury showed off his battered and bruised face following his controversial victory

Fury struggled in a tougher-than-expected bout with Francis Ngannou on Saturday night

Oleksandr Usyk stepped into the ring to confront Fury after Saturday’s split decision

Fury won the fight by split decision via a score of 94-95, 96-93, 95-94, but Ngannou left with much credit after a fine display in his first ever professional boxing fight.

Fury was knocked down in the third round and left battered and bruised following his crossover fight.

But he insisted that there was nothing that could derail his undisputed heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk on December 23.

With nasty purple bruising all around his battered left eye, Fury insisted: ‘I’ve only got some surface bruising.

‘There was a little bit of a head clash and a few punches but nothing major, no serious injuries.’

Morecambe’s WBC heavyweight king had agreed a deal with Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO to contest all the belts.

When asked flat-out if December 23 was still on the cards, he said: ‘I leave all that to my team, I don’t get involved’.

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