- Usyk’s camp has given several reasons for their dissatisfaction with Fury’s beard
- Tyson Fury has grown the beard during a long, grueling training camp
Oleksandr Usyk’s camp have demanded Tyson Fury shave his beard ahead of their showdown on Saturday night, claiming it is ‘grossly contrary’ to the rules of the fight.
According to his promoter Frank Warren, Fury is allowed to display the hairy facial façade and has shown it off this week.
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 from May this year.
Fury has been in an intense training camp and claimed he had not spoken to his wife Paris in three months, as the couple reunited on Thursday evening.
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.”
Oleksandr Usyk’s camp have demanded Tyson Fury trim his beard ahead of their fight
Fury grew his beard during a three-month training camp and was told he can wear it during the fight
However, Usyk’s camp insists it is a ‘gross violation’ of WBC rules
“So Tyson’s beard needs a trim. We will work it out further.’
Fury had grown his facial hair during his training camp and the matter appeared to be resolved when he was told it was acceptable to keep it.
Speaking about his training camp, Tyson told TNT Sports host 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 has filed a complaint with the Middle East Boxing Commission, which sanctions professional bouts in the region.
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.
‘That’s all I have to say. The talking is done. You know, the first fight I spoke, I joked, throughout my career.
‘I’m serious this time. 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