Tyson Fury has been forced to begin the search for a new opponent after unbeaten Russian Denis Boytsov withdrew from their December clash.

Boytsov was due to take on Fury in Belfast on Saturday, December 1 but has pulled out of the bout, citing a lack preparation time as his reason for turning the fight down.

Fury's uncle and trainer Peter Fury took to Twitter to reveal the news on Monday night.

He tweeted: "I'm sorry to announce Boytsov is out. We looking to reschedule the fight for mid feb. Boytsov said he needs more time to prepare for Tyson.

"We are now on with another opponent for Dec 1st. That's all I know for now."

Fury will now aim to find a new opponent for the Odyssey Arena date, with the unbeaten Mancunian aiming to propel himself into heavyweight title contention.