The last undisputed heavyweight champion has reacted to the news that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will not fight this month to crown a new one.
Lennox Lewis became the division’s sole champion in 1999, beating former cruiserweight Evander Holyfield on his second attempt after a controversial draw in their first fight.
Fury looked to do the same this year as he took on former undisputed 200lbs champion Usyk. The pair were just two weeks out from fight night when the Brit was forced to pull the fight after he suffered a deep cut in sparring.
Lewis predicted the timeline for rescheduling, and pointed out that Fury’s cut was close to one he received against Otto Wallin in the ring back in 2019.
“Tough break for Tyson Fury. This cut is in same area as one he got in Wallin fight. He’s probably gonna need about 6 stitches and 3 months to heal. The saga continues…”
Tough break for @Tyson_Fury. This cut is in same area as one he got in Wallin fight. He’s probably gonna need about 6 stitches and 3 months to heal. 🙏🏾😑 The saga continues… pic.twitter.com/ztlKZUoSyw
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) February 2, 2024
Whilst Fury’s worst cut was above the eyebrow in that Wallin fight, he did suffer a second one below that seems to be in almost exactly the same place.
Lewis was all set to be in Riyadh to crown the new champion, a passing of the torch that won’t happen anytime soon. Despite initial reports that Usyk could still headline against Filip Hrgovic, HE Turki Alalshikh has released a statement confirmed anyone who had bought tickets will be refunded, signalling that the event is pulled entirely.