Ignacio Robles will be the third official in Tyson Fury’s world heavyweight championship bout with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night after the coin toss.
Fernando Barbosa was scheduled to be one of the three judges on fight night, but was unable to travel to Riyadh due to illness, resulting in the respective fight teams being split between officials Steve Weisfield and Robles.
The rematch between Usyk and British Fury will take place on Saturday evening in the Riyadh season bill, live Sky Sports Box Office.
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There was controversy at the Usyk v Fury 2 rules meeting after it was revealed that third judge Fernando Barboza had resigned due to illness. Rival camps are divided over who should replace him.
The WBO, WBA and WBC championships, which Usyk won from Fury in their first fight, will be on the line.
Another major point of contention ahead of the fight is the length of Fury’s beard, with Usyk’s team questioning whether it could actually soften the blow.
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Tyson Fury weighed 281lbs in his career, but the former heavyweight champion has refused to remove any of his clothing, thus leaving questions about his true weight.
Fury is under no obligation to shave his hair for the fight but Usyk’s camp insists he must cut it.
said promoter Alex Krasiuk Sky Sports: “The beard rule has been flagrantly violated. The WBC rules clearly say: ‘A boxer may have a trimmed beard and/or mustache, so long as the thickness of facial hair, in the discretion of the committee and supervisor, does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect affects the impact or course of punches or (2) causes cuts or abrasions to his opponent.’
“So, Tyson’s beard needs to be trimmed. We’re going to push it further,” Krasiuk continued.
However, the WBC “has no problem” with the length of Fury’s beard.
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Highlights as Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after a thrilling battle with Tyson Fury.
More to follow…
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The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be broadcast on Saturday, December 21 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
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