Revealed: Final decision on Tyson Fury's controversial beard made just hours before Oleksandr Usyk rematch - after Ukrainian's team claimed it 'grossly violates' boxing rules
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It's been revealed that Tyson Fury will not have to cut his beard - despite calls to do so - ahead of his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. The WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight belts are on the line as the pair meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Fury will try to avenge the only defeat of his career.
![[It's been confirmed that Tyson Fury will not have to shave his beard for the bout]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/21/93389369-14217447-image-a-2_1734814910482.jpg)
However, in the build-up to Saturday's super-fight, Usyk's camp demanded that Fury shave his beard ahead, claiming it 'grossly violates' the fight's rules. Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk said in a statement: 'Beard rule is grossly violated. 'WBC rules clearly say: 'A boxer may spouse a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, in the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.' So, Tyson's beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.'.
![[Usyk's team had complained that the beard could offer the Brit some form of protection]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/21/93389367-14217447-image-a-3_1734814918633.jpg)
However, despite the calls from Usyk's camp, a final decision has been and it rules that Fury will in fact be able to keep his beard for the bout. Oleksandr Usyk (left) and Tyson Fury (right) will meet inside the ring again on Saturday night. It's been confirmed that Tyson Fury will not have to shave his beard for the bout.
![[Meanwhile, Usyk has been banned from engaging in his mid-fight ritual against Fury]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/21/85061005-14217447-Fans_speculated_on_social_media_after_footage_showed_the_Ukraini-a-4_1734814927521.jpg)
Speaking to ESPN, Fury's manager Spencer Brown said: 'Tyson Fury has boxed with a beard on many occasions as do other fighters, most recently Beterbiev. Usyk himself has come out publicly and said Tyson having a beard is no problem. 'There is no law or ruling in boxing to say you can't fight with a beard. It's ridiculous that this has already been brought up in a rules meeting to no avail. Simply put if Usyk had a beard we would have no issue. This is not a fashion show, it's boxing.'.
