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 belts are on the line as the pair meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Fury will try to avenge the only defeat of his career.

However, in the build-up to Saturday’s super-fight, Usyk’s camp demanded that Fury shave his beard ahead, claiming it ‘grossly violates’ the fight’s rules. 

Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said in a statement: ‘Beard rule is grossly violated.

‘WBC rules clearly say: “A boxer may spouse a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, in the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.” So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.’

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

Oleksandr Usyk and Fury will meet inside the ring again in a crunch rematch on Saturday night

Speaking to ESPN, Fury’s manager Spencer Brown said: ‘Tyson Fury has boxed with a beard on many occasions as do other fighters, most recently Beterbiev. Usyk himself has come out publicly and said Tyson having a beard is no problem. 

‘There is no law or ruling in boxing to say 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 would have no issue. This is not a fashion show, it’s boxing.’ 

While Fury will not be forced to shave his beard for the bout, there has been one late change to what is permitted on the night and that is regarding Usyk’s jewellery. 

It was confirmed earlier on Saturday that the Ukrainian will not be allowed to have his religious cross with him during the fight. 

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

Meanwhile, Fury had been growing his facial hair throughout his training camp and the matter looked to be settled when he was told it was acceptable to keep.

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

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

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

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

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

And the Gypsy King isn’t letting the furore about his facial fur distract him.

‘I’ve got nothing to say, apart from there’s going to be a whole lot of hurt and pain in this fight you watch,’ he insisted earlier in the week.

‘That’s all I got to say. Talking’s been done. You know, the first fight I talked, I joked, through all my career. This time I’m serious. I’m going to do some f***ing damage here on Saturday night. Watch me go to work on this f*****.’

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