Promoter Frank Warren claims there is "some kind of cult" against Tyson Fury after the WBC world heavyweight champ was forced to postpone his undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.

Having suffered a horror cut just above his eye while sparring, Fury had little choice to pull out of the bout with WBA Super, WBO and IBF title-holder Usyk in Saudi Arabia on February 17. 

The contest has now been rescheduled for May 18 and Queensberry Promotions chief Warren has rubbished suggestions that the Gypsy King had been looking for a way out.

He told the BBC: "Tyson wants [the fight]. Some of the stuff that's been going out, I've never heard anything like it.

"Has Tyson got make-believe stiches in his eye? What they're saying is libellous and scandalous.

"It's like some kind of cult against him."

While a new date was rapidly announced, Warren admits Fury will have to wait for the injury to heal before stepping up preparations once again. 

He added: "He'll want to be with his family.

"He can't continue training as such. He can tick over. He can get on the bike and keep well but when you're training for a fight you're training to reach your ultimate best, your peak.

"Now he has to wind down and set everything back in motion to get himself up and ready and make sure he's at his best for May 18."

Fury and Usyk, 37, will be battling to be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.