Tyson Fury wins beard row as Oleksandr Usyk request rejected before fight | Boxing | Sport
Tyson Fury has emerged victorious in a dispute to keep his beard intact for the upcoming clash with Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King had declined requests to trim or shave his facial hair ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight title rematch.
Usyk’s team had appealed to the Middle East Boxing Commission, who are overseeing the main event, for Fury to cut back his beard. However, according to promoter Frank Warren, Fury has been allowed to keep it.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Warren said: “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 also disclosed that Usyk will not be permitted to have the crucifix – given to him by Greek monks – in the corner. The Ukrainian is known for kissing the cross during the bout and maintains that the religious item inspires him.
Warren explained: “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 clarification about low punches in the rules meeting on Friday. They are keen to avoid a repeat of the controversy when Usyk went down to a low blow from Daniel Dubois in their 2023 encounter.
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 tend to wear their shorts higher, which occasionally triggers a bit of confusion in the ring – as was the case with Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
“There was a problem in that fight and we don’t want that happening and nor does the other side, so the judge has made it very clear – which the judge in that previous fight did not make clear, he didn’t come and give any instructions on it in the boxers’ dressing rooms – to ensure that everybody understands this clarification and we know what a low blow is.”
