TYSON FURY has been granted permission to KEEP his beard for tomorrow’s heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk‘s team had wanted the Gypsy King to shave off his bushy beard for the Saudi rematch.
GettyTyson Fury has been granted permission to keep his beard for the fight[/caption]
GettyOleksandr Usyk’s team wanted him to shave it due to concerns it could cushion a punch[/caption]
They suggested that it could actually cushion a blow to the face, which would benefit Fury during the fight.
But officials have ruled in the Brit’s favour, allowing him to keep the beard.
Fury’s promoter, Frank 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.”
In a separate dispute, the rival camps are at loggerheads over a replacement judge for Saturday’s bout.
Gerardo Martinez, Patrick Morley and Fernando Barbosa were originally set to score the historic clash.
Barbosa was taken ill this week and did not fly to Riyadh.
Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey is said to have stepped in to fill the void.
However, Warren claims there is another judge who could be called upon because the camps are in disagreement.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
The 72-year-old has even suggested they ‘spin a coin’ to decide.
Warren said: “This will get sorted. Use a bit of common sense, and actually both camps are very, very professional and know what they have to do.”
Fury and Usyk met for a press conference on Thursday which was followed by a face-off that lasted over 10 minutes.
Usyk handed Fury the first defeat of his professional career in May.
He won the fight by a split decision.
Fury vs Usyk 2 – top stories
READ MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..
All the info:
Everything you need to know about the biggest fight of the year
How much are Fury and Usyk getting paid?
Who is on the undercard for the huge event?
News, features and interviews:
Fury and Usyk separated by security with neither budging for 10 MINUTES
EXCLUSIVE: Fury’s trainer reveals weapon that will be crucial in the fight
Five changes Fury has made for the fight
Fury’s terrifying rant as he promises to put Usyk ‘in the hurt locker’
EXCLUSIVE: Fury can’t beat Usyk, says Eubank Jr
COMMENT: Usyk spoiled golden age of British heavyweights