Is May 18 Fight Date Too Soon For Tyson Fury? Former Pro Boxer Cautions ‘Gypsy King’

The boxing world will have to wait a tad bit longer to see the much-anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk clash. A new date—to be specific, May 18—for the impending fight has emerged. However, former bantamweight fighter Spencer Oliver thinks the new date is a little too soon.

On February 17, WBC titlist Tyson Fury was meant to fight WBO/WBA/IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk. Upon the unification of these titles, an undisputed champion was to emerge between the two of them, a title unheld since 1999. However, just days before the important fight, ‘Gypsy King’ incurred an injury during a sparring session. It led to the scheduled date being pushed further. While most predicted that Fury’s injury was not that grave, Oliver thinks otherwise.

How soon is too soon?

In an exclusive conversation with Boxing Social, Spencer Oliver, who last fought in the late 90s, explained that he believed that Fury’s injury was not a hoax. He noted, “I was disappointed we haven’t got the undisputed fight. Tyson Fury is not a coward, forget that, the cut was legit and it was unfortunate and it happens.” 

Pictures that emerged on the internet suggest that the Lancashire-based heavyweight got a cut above his left eyebrow. It was reported that he had to get about 11 stitches to cover his gash. Further discussing how the 34-0-1 fighter got cut, he said, “He spars with an open head guard and he got cut, the eye opened and it got postponed, it’s one of those unfortunate things but I think May 18 may come a bit soon if I’m honest.” 

Why does he think it’s too soon? “He’s got to go through the procedure of letting it heal, then go through the sparring again before he fights and it will always be a vulnerable area, so let’s hope we get it.”

The promoter of the Fury-Usyk confrontation, His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, also corroborated Tyson Fury’s injury. The advisory to Saudi Arabia’s royal court had installed a ‘special camera’ to observe his training. However, despite Kingpyn’s suggestions, both Fury and Usyk have their bits to say about the injury and postponement.

Tyson Fury, Usyk Chime in

While the Ukrainian heavyweight smiled about the postponement, his manager did the talking on his behalf. Egis Klimas noted, “Maybe when you want to get cut, you’re going to get cut.” Klimas said. “Because he didn’t want to fight with Usyk. He’s scared.”

Fury retorted, “Nothing much anyone can do about a cut in sparring – s*** happens.” He further explained, “I’ve never had one before – first time for everything.”

Also Read: “It’s a Big Shame”: Fabio Wardley Stunned Over $10 Million Condition for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Disappointed With the Postponement

He argued, “Why would I not want to fight for the biggest payday of my life, and put 10 weeks into a training camp.” On May 18, a fight is for sure on the cards. If either of the fighters pulls out, they will lose $10 million out of their payday, per a new assertion by Alalshikh. Do you think May 18 is too early? Let us know in the comments section below.

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