Tyson Fury's highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk has faced a rescheduling, now set for May 18.

Initially planned for February 17, Fury, risking his WBC belt against WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Usyk, encountered a setback after Fury sustained a significant cut above his eye during sparring, requiring extensive stitching.

It marks the division's first undisputed bout in 25 years.

Both fighters are confessing Christians with Fury taking the opportunity in a head-to-head interview last month to reveal his admiration for his opponent's faith. 

"We are the two biggest Christians in boxing," announced Fury while speaking Usyk during their three-way fight preview interview with boxing journalist Steve Bunce.

"Without failure, I can train all I want, but whoever God wants to win this fight will win. It doesn't matter if you're from the gutter or the kingdom of wherever."

"Listen, being a champion is great. But to see someone who is also a world champion and has big faith in God is unbelievable. Beautiful."

Fury was less enthused by Usyk's promoter Egis Klimas after his suggestions that Fury was looking for a way out of the fight.

"Egis, never call me a coward again," Fury said. "[I have] never backed down from any man in my life."

He added: "Yesterday morning sparring, arranged to spar 12 rounds with four different guys.

In round five I got an elbow in the eye, been to the hospital and got 11 stitches - nothing much anything can do about [being] cut in sparring

Despite the setback, Usyk maintained his calm demeanor, extending well wishes for Fury's speedy recovery and reiterating his readiness to fight for the undisputed title anytime, anywhere.