The extremely anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the world heavyweight championship is simply someday away, however tensions are rising as each camps stay locked in a dispute over key particulars.
With the combat scheduled for Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 2 sides are at odds over the appointment of a substitute choose and the size of Fury’s beard, which has change into some extent of rivalry.
Initially, Fernando Barbosa was set to be one of many three judges for the combat. Nevertheless, as a consequence of sickness, he might be changed by two standby officers, Steve Weisfeld and Ignacio Robles.
Each fighter camps are in disagreement over which choose must be chosen, with promoter Frank Warren proposing a coin toss to settle the difficulty. The native fee might want to resolve the matter shortly.
One other main level of rivalry arose throughout Friday’s guidelines assembly, with Usyk’s staff questioning Fury’s untrimmed beard.
In line with the WBC guidelines, facial hair should not cushion punches or trigger cuts. Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, argued that Fury’s beard violated this rule, however the WBC has cleared the size of Fury’s beard, saying it doesn’t breach any laws. The talk has fueled additional stress between the camps.
Fury’s staff additionally sought clarification on the positioning of the shorts and the beltline, guaranteeing that any punches under the navel can be thought-about low blows.
This was in response to the confusion in Usyk’s earlier combat towards Daniel Dubois. Moreover, Fury’s staff raised considerations about Usyk kissing a cross in his nook throughout the first combat, fearing it might trigger undue hypothesis. To keep away from any points, it was determined that solely water could possibly be offered to the fighters.
Regardless of the disagreements, promoter Frank Warren is assured that the disputes might be resolved in time for the combat, emphasizing professionalism on either side.
Boxing professional Matthew Macklin believes that Fury’s aggressive method will goal Usyk’s physique, drawing parallels to his rematch towards Deontay Wilder.
As the ultimate particulars are ironed out, all eyes are on the ring in Riyadh, the place Fury and Usyk will as soon as once more battle for the heavyweight crown. With a slew of controversies and discussions forward of the combat, each camps are decided to safe a victory—come what may.