Tyson Fury learns beard verdict amid fear he would be forced to shave
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Tyson Fury has won a battle to keep his beard on for the Oleksandr Usyk clash. The Gypsy King has refused to shave off or trim his facial hair ahead of the heavyweight title rematch this weekend. Usyk’s team requested to the Middle East Boxing Commission - who are running the main event only - that Fury trim back his beard. But the Gypsy King has won the battle to keep it on, according to promoter Frank Warren.
He told Sky Sports: “He has a beard and there's been a lot of fighters over the years who've fought with beards, and that's it.” Warren has also revealed that Usyk will not be allowed to have the crucifix - given to him by Greek monks - in the corner. The Ukrainian famously kissed the cross during the bout and insisted the religious piece helped inspire him.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to lock horns again on December 21 with the Brit attempting to avenge his defeat by the Ukrainian in May. Victory for Fury could also set up a huge domestic showdown with bitter rival Anthony Joshua next year. Warren 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.”.
Fury’s team also requested to know about low punches in the rules meeting on Friday. They don’t want a repeat of the scenes which caused controversy when Usyk went down to a low blow from Daniel Dubois when they met in 2023. Warren added: "It's what is considered to be a low blow or not. "Anything below the navel is a low blow and a lot of fighters wear their shorts higher and that sometimes leads to what you could say confusion as happened with Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
