One of more bizarre boxing rules has been a point of contention between the teams of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury this week as they prepare for their second fight.
Usyk won the undisputed title back in May when he beat the Brit on points, and now, having vacated the IBF belt, puts the WBC, WBO and WBO on the line.
At the standard rules meeting this week there was a debate as to a replacement judge following one taking ill as well as a clarification on low blows. The issue that has made the headlines, however, is the length of Fury’s beard.
In a statement to Sky Sports, Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said he will continue to push to have the Brit trim it.
“[The] 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”.
The WBC has, however, said no rules are being broken, thus it appears the facial hair – something similar to what Fury sported in his rematch with Deontay Wilder – will stay.
As for Usyk himself, he has no interest in getting involved, telling IFL TV, “for me it won’t matter” and adding:
“It can’t help Tyson Fury.”
The two elite heavyweights run it back in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight.
