The heavyweight unification fight between WBC Champion Tyson Fury and WBA, IBF and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed after Fury suffered a “freak cut” above his eye during a sparring session in Riyadh.

Fury in a statement 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.”

Queensberry Promotions said the cut, above Fury’s right eye, “required urgent medical attention and significant stitching”, with the promoters posting an image of the damage done to his face on their X account.

The 35-year-old Fury added on Instagram: “Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape.

“I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK (Gypsy King, Fury’s nickname).”

Fury’s and Usyk’s belts were all set to be up for grabs in Saudi Arabia on February 17, before the postponement.

Instead, the wait to find heavyweight boxing’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 has been delayed just 15 days before the eagerly-anticipated bout was due to take place.