Oleksandr Usyk will be stopped from kissing his cross in the corner during his rematch with Tyson Fury rematch following the rules meeting in Riyadh on Friday afternoon. In the first clash between the pair earlier this year, the Ukrainian was spotted ‘kissing a cross’ between rounds of his undisputed clash with the 'Gypsy King.' Prior to the confirmation, there was a lot of debate online as to what object the Ukrainian was placing towards his mouth back in May.
The moment seemed to breathe new life into the Ukrainian as he hurt Fury in the eighth before almost knocking him out in the ninth round. Usyk then went on to eventually defeat the Brit via split decision in what was a real back-and-forth encounter. While the religious piece helped inspire him, it is believed that Usyk will not be able have the crucifix - which was given to him by Greek monks - according to Fury's promoter Frank Warren. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “After the fight there was a lot of speculation, they weren't sure what it was.
"We just cut through it all. If there's anything that is used other than water that goes to the fighter's lips, then the inspector will take it away and hold it and if anything is seen to be not correct then they'll deal with it, test it, whatever that may be, what they have to do.”.
Speaking about the cross, Usyk - a devout orthodox Christian - said: “This cross was a present from the chief monk in one of the Greek monasteries, where I go. This cross gives me strength and leads me to victory. I feel the love of the God of the Father from Paradise''. He added: ''I see myself as a man who sins, a sinner and I need help to overcome my sins. What were my sins in that fight? The main sin was that I hit him in the face.”.
