TYSON FURY could be out for months after suffering a cut during a sparring session.
The Gypsy King was forced to withdraw from this month's heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk due to the injury.
A statement from Queensbury Promotions on Twitter read: "WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his fight with unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh.
"The cut, which opened above Fury's right eye, required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, which will obviously require a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking place on 17th February in Saudi Arabia."
A fight between Usyk and Filip Hrgovic is now reportedly being explored for February 17.
The Ukrainian's representatives have been told that it may be "several months" until Fury is ready to compete.
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Discussing his injury, 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."
He also posted on instagram, with the caption: "Can't help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble.
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Tyson Fury's statement in full
TYSON Fury has apologised to boxing fans after suffering a horrific cut to his eye in training.
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."
He also posted on instagram, with the caption: "Can't help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble.
"I am in fantastic shape. I will resheduel (sic) soon as i can. 2024 a massive year for team GK #undisputed #wbcking."
"I am in fantastic shape. I will resheduel (sic) soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK #undisputed #wbcking."
Fury was set to face Usyk in a Saudi showdown, with four heavyweight titles on the line.
For the first time ever three major UK channels were set to battle for the viewing figures.
DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT Sports all purchased rights to the event, which was due to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.