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

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 titles are on the line when the pair meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Fury will look to avenge the only defeat of his career.

However, ahead of Saturday’s superfight, Usyk’s camp demanded Fury shave his beard beforehand, claiming it ‘grossly breaches’ the rules of the fight.

Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said in a statement: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.

‘WBC rules clearly state: ‘A boxer may wear a trimmed beard and/or mustache so long as, at the discretion of the committee and regulator, the thickness of facial hair does not soften or in any way influence the impact. or trajectory of impacts; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.” So Tyson’s beard needs to be trimmed. We will elaborate further.”

However, despite calls from Usyk’s camp, a final decision has been made and it stipulates that Fury will in fact be able to keep his beard for the fight.

Oleksandr Usyk and Fury will meet again in the ring on Saturday evening in a crucial rematch

Speaking to ESPN, Fury’s manager Spencer Brown said: ‘Tyson Fury has often boxed with a beard, as have other fighters, most recently Beterbiev. Usyk himself has come out publicly and said that Tyson having a beard is not a problem.

“There is no law or ruling in boxing that says 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 wouldn’t have a problem. This isn’t a fashion show, this is boxing.’

While Fury won’t be forced to shave his beard for the fight, there is one late change to what is allowed that night and that concerns Usyk’s jewelry.

Earlier on Saturday it was confirmed that the Ukrainian will not be allowed to carry his religious cross during the fight.

When Fury and Usyk fought the first time, the heavyweight was seen kissing the crotch between rounds as a form of motivation.

Meanwhile, Fury had grown his facial hair during his training camp and the matter seemed resolved when he was told it was acceptable to keep it.

Speaking about his training camp, Fury told TNT Sports presenter Dev Sahni: ‘It’s been a long camp. I’ve been away from my wife and children for three months, I haven’t spoken to Paris at all for three months, not a word. Yes, I have sacrificed a lot.’

However, Usyk’s team still filed a complaint with the Middle East Boxing Commission, which sanctions professional bouts in the region.

Usyk’s team had complained that the beard could provide the Brit with some form of protection

Meanwhile, Usyk has been banned from taking part in his mid-fight ritual against Fury

Fury’s promoter Warren told Sky Sports: ‘He has a beard and there have been a lot of fighters over the years who have fought with beards and that’s it.’

And the Gypsy King isn’t distracted by the furor over his facial fur.

“I have nothing to say other than there is going to be a lot of hurt and pain in this fight that you are watching,” he insisted earlier this week.

‘That’s all I have to say. The talking is done. You know, the first fight I spoke, I joked, throughout my career. This time I’m serious. I’m gonna do some damn damage here on Saturday night. See how I’m going to work on this.’

HOW TO WATCH: Register and watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN here