David Haye and Tyson Fury will now clash on February 8 in
Manchester, live on Sky Box Office.
The pair were scheduled to clash on Saturday before Haye
suffered a gash on his forehead in sparring last week that required six
stitches.
"My fans will still get the chance to see what they
all wanted to see this weekend - they'll get to see Tyson Fury sparked out in a
spectacular fashion."
Both sides have worked hard to rearrange the huge
domestic heavyweight scrap and a swift resolution has been made.
"News of the date in February is music to my
ears," said Haye. "I was absolutely devastated this weekend, and felt
as though I'd let a lot of people down. But now, with this new date, I couldn't
be happier.
"My fans will still get the chance to see what they
all wanted to see this weekend - they'll get to see Tyson Fury sparked out in a
spectacular fashion."
History
Since news of the pull-out broke, Haye has faced
criticism from sceptics, including Fury and his team, curious as to why he
chose to spar just eight days before a blockbuster pay-per-view event. Yet the
former two-weight world champion insists all was on schedule.
"Sparring eight days before a fight is nothing new
or unusual," said the Londoner. "I've done this before fights in the
past and never had an issue.
"Also, look at the history books. George Foreman
sparred and got cut eight days before his 'Rumble in the Jungle' with Muhammad
Ali - causing a six-week postponement - and Sugar Ray Leonard sparred and got
knocked down five days before his fight with Marvin Hagler, but still managed
to go on and win.
"These things sometimes happen in training, and to
suggest I decided against wearing a head-guard, or that the cut was
premeditated, shows a clear lack of knowledge and understanding."
Fury had been due to make his debut in the kick-boxing
arena next month, while it was thought he may also fight again before the year
was out.
It must now be doubtful that he will be in any kind of
competitive action prior to February 8.
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