Tyson Fury Faces Showdown with Boxing Chiefs Over Controversial New Look
Tyson Fury could be forced to shave by boxing chiefs over his ‘banned’ beard as he prepares to face Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday.
The Gypsy King lost the first showdown back in May, suffering the first professional defeat of his career in the process.
Fury is adamant he’s got what it takes to topple Usyk, however, with the 37-year-old yet to suffer any setbacks.
The Briton has shown in the past that he’s capable of bouncing back, no matter what’s been thrown at him.
Fury could, however, face an awkward chat with boxing chiefs about his beard as he prepares to return to the ring.
The heavyweight star has revealed that he’s not shaved anything ‘from the eyeballs down’ as he focuses on winning the rematch.
His striking new look is different to when the first fight unfolded, with Fury clean shaven for that clash.
However, Fury’s beard could clash with boxing regulations – with the rules stating that fighters’ jawlines must be clearly visible during fights for safety and officiating reasons
Fury was previously forced to shave before bouts with Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder.
This time, however, the veteran is reluctant to touch the beard – which he believes symbolises his defiant mentality.
Many felt Usyk outclassed Fury during the first showdown, which also took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia back in May.
However, he’s convinced he doesn’t need to make too many changes to his gameplan – having ‘had control for 80 per cent’ of the clash.
“I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating,” he said.
“One of the commentators said: ‘Has anybody ever seen Tyson Fury clown this much against even lower level opposition?’
“That’s how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.”
Fury added: “I won’t change anything. Why would I when I had control of the fight for maybe 80 per cent of it?
I’m landing on him at will, head and body, lead right uppercuts, left hooks, right hooks to the body, doubles at times.
“I don’t need to change anything. I don’t think he can, either, because he ain’t going to outbox me on the back foot. He has to come forward and make a fight of it.”
Meanwhile, if Usyk beats Fury, he’d have conquered the heavyweight decision.
And the Ukrainian has refused to rule out hanging up his gloves as he looks to reign supreme once more.
