WATCH: Tyson Fury sparring partner lands elbow derailing Oleksandr Usyk fight

It was an accidental elbow in sparring that prevented the long-awaited boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

‘The Gypsy King’ and ‘The Cat’ were slated to face off on February 17th in Saudi Arabia. The bout was set to crown boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. ‘The Lion’ accomplished that feat well over 24 years ago, and was even set to attend Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.

Sadly, fans will have to wait quite a while to see the heavyweights fight. The two were originally slated to fight on December 23rd, but the bout was postponed due to Tyson Fury’s harder-than-expected bout with Francis Ngannou last October. Now, the fight has been postponed again.

Earlier today, Tyson Fury confirmed that he was out of his February 17th bout against Oleksandr Usyk. The WBC heavyweight champion revealed that it was a brutal cut that took him out of action. Now, TalkSport’s Michael Benson has released footage of the sparring session that took the Brit out of the fight.

The brief clip shows Tyson Fury in sparring and getting into the clinch with his partner. In the clinch, the unknown sparring partner lands an accidental elbow through the Brit’s head guard. That one short shot will prevent the boxer from facing Oleksandr Usyk later this month in Saudi Arabia.

RELATED: MIKE TYSON DENIES REPORTS OF BOXING MATCHES WITH FEDOR EMELIANENKO, MARK HUNT: “THIS IS FALSE”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Benson | Boxing News (@michaelbensonboxing)

Tyson Fury sustains brutal cut in sparring preventing Oleksandr Usyk boxing match

Following the cancelation of the heavyweight boxing match, Tyson Fury released a brief statement on social media. ‘The Gypsy King’ apologized to his team, as well as Oleksandr Usyk for the situation. He added that he hopes to see the bout rebooked later this year.

“I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight for so long and being in such superb condition.” Tyson Fury’s statement to social media read earlier today. “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 apologize to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, undercard fighters, partners, and fans as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

As of now, Oleksandr Usyk hasn’t responded to news of the pullout. However, his manager, Egis Kilmas was asked about Tyson Fury’s pullout earlier today in an interview with Ring Magazine. There, he ripped into the British boxer and speculated that the cut was done on purpose.

“Fury is a f*cking coward who will do anything not to face Usyk, and he asked his b*tch to hit him with a frying pan in his brow.” Kilmas was quoted by Ring Magazine earlier today. “You can quote me word for word for that.”

What do you make of this news? Do you hope to see the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk boxing match re-booked?