The heavyweight unification bout had been slated for December 23 but is set to be delayed after the Gypsy King's clash with Francis Ngannou and Usyk is confident that a date for early next year will be finalised next week.

Speaking to Reuters from his training camp in Spain, Usyk said: "It could be February and I would very much like it to be February.

"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."

Usyk could be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century and will make the most of the extra time he has to prepare for the era-defining contest.

The Ukrainian boxer said: "I'll just do more technical work. Technically, nothing changes. I just have a little more time for some additional tasks, and that's it.

"I don't think about Tyson Fury at all... I think about myself, about my team, about my family. I don't need to think about my opponent. I just need to be with him, fight and that's it."

Usyk explained that he will be fighting in honour of his friends on the front line in Ukraine's war with Russia as well as the memory of his late father when he steps into the ring with Fury.

He said: "Everything I do today - my achievements, my victories, my efforts - are focused to honour my country and my family."