Tyson Fury set to dodge £200m boxing lawsuit after fascinating developments

Fury expected a straightforward night against Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut having made a name for himself in UFC.

Yet what he didn't bank on was the 37-year-old being his biggest test in years.

Fury was floored in round three of the showdown, with watchers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor left stunned.

And though he eventually won via split decision, the 35-year-old was fortunate to come through the clash with his unbeaten record still intact.

At the tail end of last month, it was reported that Saudi chiefs could enforce a £200m lawsuit on Fury if he failed to fight Usyk on December 23.

It was claimed only serious injury would get Fury out of the fight.

However, in the last few days, fascinating developments have unfolded to work in his favour.

Usyk has emerged as Fury's saviour, with the Ukrainian admitting he's happy for the fight to be delayed.

Speaking earlier this week, the 35-year-old said Fury had sustained injuries that meant a postponement was the only option.

“It could be February and I would very much like it to be February," he told Reuters while at a training camp in Valencia, Spain.

“I was ready to fight on the 23rd but since Fury got some injuries in the last fight, a knockdown, then probably it will be postponed to next year.”

What's more, Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk has revealed the Saudis are on board with a delay.

"Listen, these people are amazing people," he said of the Saudis in an interview with the Daily Mail.

"They are very professional, and they have huge knowledge and experience in sports.

"So they understand it clearly, and they want to make it. So they put all the efforts to match all the all the wants and needs of the fighters.

"These are the champions. The champion is fighting the champion.

"They want to make them feel comfortable. So that's what they do and they do it perfectly."

As a result of comments from Usyk and his promoter, it appears Fury will get his wish.

He has, however, had his confidence shaken by his recent victory over Ngannou.

Fury's fight with Usyk will be the first battle for the heavyweight crown since the days of Lennox Lewis.

Victory will catapult the Gypsy King into new territory and boost his chances of being considered one of the best boxers of all time.

Defeat, however, would be a crushing blow.

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Usyk is seen by many as the favourite to win, especially given his unbeaten record in the sport and Fury's recent flat display.

And it'll be intriguing to see who comes out on top when they finally step into the ring in February.