TYSON FURY could be forced into fighting Oleksandr Usyk on December 23 despite being left battered by Francis Ngannou.
The Brit has confirmed he has no serious injuries that could threaten the undisputed decider.
Morecambe's WBC heavyweight king has agreed a deal with Ukraine's WBA, IBF and WBO to contest all the belts 48 hours before this coming Christmas.
But – after the 35-year-old was dropped and beaten up by MMA's boxing debutant Ngannnou on Saturday and only nicked a split decision – promoter Frank Warren said it would be delayed until January or even February.
However, 36-year-old Usyk's team have confirmed that the December 23 date is concreted into the contract and only a serious injury and doctor's note will delay the Riyadh showdown.
With nasty purple bruising all around his battered left eye, Fury revealed: "I've only got some surface bruising.
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"There was a little bit of a head clash and a few punches but nothing major, no serious injuries".
That will make it difficult for the Gypsy King's team to push back the Christmas cracker and the potential rematch that has to happen before April to coincide with the Riyadh Season.
SunSport understands the Saudi Arabia paymasters – who have funneled millions into promoting Fury and securing Usyk – remain very keen on the December 23 date.
Second city Jeddah is hosting the Club World Cup this season, featuring Manchester City, with the final falling on Friday December 22.
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The plan has always been for a stunning week of sporting action to shine a bright and positive light on the controversial kingdom.
And telling the billionaire Sheikhs that Fury might not be able to fulfil his long-standing and expensive commitments over a black eye might be a tough move.
Fury reckons his shocking performance was down to ring rust and the 26lbs he had to lose in just eight weeks.
But he refused to blame excuses and throw shade on 37-year-old Ngannou's superb showing.
"I am not taking anything away from Francis Ngannou," he said.
"I trained very well and prepared very good.
"But it's boxing where you have good nights and bad and you just need to crack on forward and continue.
"I felt my timing was quite off, I have been out of the ring nearly a year again.
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"I had a bit of ring rust, it was not one of my best performances, it was far from vintage Tyson Fury."
When asked flat-out if December 23 was still on the cards, he said: "I leave all that to my team, I don't get involved".
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