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TYSON FURY finds himself embroiled in a significant world-title rematch scandal — all due to his BEARD!
Titleholder Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “grossly violating” strict rules concerning facial hair length and has urged him to grab his razor.
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The uproar started after Fury successfully argued to stop the Ukrainian from having a “lucky” crucifix in his corner during Saturday night’s £180million heavyweight Saudi showdown.
The Gypsy King from Britain, who weighed in at a remarkable 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE heavier than his contender — is showcasing a full, thick beard after refusing to shave for the past 12 weeks.
Nevertheless, Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, was infuriated: “The beard rule is being blatantly disregarded.”
“The WBC regulations explicitly state, ‘A boxer may have a trimmed beard provided the hair thickness does not cushion or affect the impact or trajectory of punches or cause cuts or abrasions to his opponent’.
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“Thus, Tyson must have his beard trimmed. We plan to take this matter further.”
Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, was unwilling to relent.
The Queensberry Promotions chief asserted: “He has a beard, and numerous fighters throughout history have fought with beards, and that’s final.”
When SunSport contacted the British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees the Middle East regulations for WBC, WBA, and WBO events, they stated that Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk brings this issue up at the rules meeting today.
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Fury vs Usyk 2 – top stories
READ MORE on the build-up to the highly anticipated fight in Riyadh.
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Nonetheless, WBC head Mauricio Sulaiman declared: “The issue was addressed, and the ultimate decision rests with the local commission.
“We do not think Fury gains any advantages. We do not anticipate any issues.”
‘Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but the Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’
Fury, 36, previously triumphed in a prior dispute when undefeated Usyk, 37, was barred from bringing his cherished monk’s crucifix to his corner.
He had relied on it for motivation during his split-decision win in the initial Riyadh showdown last May.
Warren argued: “If there’s anything other than water that goes to the fighter’s lips, the inspector will remove it.
“Should anything seem out of order, it will be resolved.”
SunSport understands Usyk’s team has accepted the cross ban but stands firm on the beard issue.
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Fury recorded his heaviest career weigh-in — a staggering 19lbs more than in the previous bout, while Usyk came in at 16st 2lbs, just three pounds heavier than last time.
The disagreement over the judges continued following the withdrawal of Miami’s Fernando Barbosa due to illness.
The stakeholders were at a standstill regarding whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles — who was brought in last minute — would join Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.
Warren, who preferred Robles, noted: “I suggested we flip a coin.”
He added: “A showdown awaits tomorrow.”
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