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TYSON FURY is caught up in a major world-title rematch dispute — and it’s all about his BEARD!
Champion Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “seriously breaching” strict regulations pertaining to the allowable length of facial hair and has called on him to reach for a razor.
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The uproar erupted after Fury successfully protested against allowing his Ukrainian opponent to bring a “lucky” crucifix into his corner during Saturday’s £180million heavyweight Saudi showdown.
The Gypsy King from Britain, weighing in at an impressive 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE more than his opponent — is flaunting a full, bushy beard after abstaining from shaving for 12 weeks.
Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, voiced his frustration: “The beard rule is being severely violated.”
“The WBC regulations clearly state, ‘A boxer is allowed to have a trimmed beard as long as the thickness of the hair does not cushion or alter the impact or trajectory of punches or cause cuts or abrasions to the opponent.’
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“Thus, Tyson’s beard must be trimmed. We are ready to escalate this issue.”
Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, stood his ground.
The Queensberry Promotions chief declared: “He has a beard, and many fighters in history have fought with beards, and that’s that.”
When SunSport contacted the British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees Middle East events for the WBC, WBA, and WBO, they indicated that Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk brings it up at today’s rules meeting.
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However, WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman stated: “The matter was discussed, and the ultimate decision is with the local commission.
“We don’t believe Fury is gaining any advantage. We don’t predict a problem.”
‘Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but the Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’
Fury, 36, had previously succeeded in a dispute when undefeated Usyk, 37, was barred from taking his beloved monk’s crucifix into his corner.
He had kissed it for good luck during his split-decision victory in their first match in Riyadh last May.
Warren noted: “If anything other than water touches the fighter’s lips, the inspector will intervene.
“If anything appears out of order, it will be addressed.”
SunSport learned that Usyk’s team accepted the ban on the cross but remains firm on the beard issue.
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Fury registered a career-high weigh-in — a remarkable 19lbs more than in their previous bout, while Usyk weighed in at 16st 2lbs, just three pounds heavier than last time.
The contention over the judges persisted, following the withdrawal of Miami’s Fernando Barbosa due to illness.
The parties were at an impasse over whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles — who appeared as last-minute backup — would join Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.
Warren, who supported Robles, commented: “I suggested we flip a coin.”
He added: “A clash is set to occur tomorrow.”
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