Tyson Fury given major advantage for Oleksandr Usyk fight as official rule request 'rejected' hours before fight

Tyson Fury has won a key battle ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk that could have a major impact on the fight.

The pair will meet in the ring for the second time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday in a repeat of their first fight, which ended in a split decision win for Usyk in May.

Fury suffered the first defeat of his professional career to the Ukrainian, who was crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

The 'Gypsy King' is hoping to regain the WBA, WBO and WBC belts this weekend, with the IBF strap now held by fellow British fighter Daniel Dubois.

There were fears that Fury could be banned from fighting unless he shaved his bushy beard.

Boxers are typically made to trim their beards to a shorter length, as long facial hair can cushion the blow from punches.

Fury's own promoter Frank Warren has previously stated that he is opposed to fighters having a lengthy beard, stating in 2026 that "stubble leads to trouble".

But it now appears that Fury has been given special permission by boxing authorities to keep his current beard.

The Mirror report that Usyk's team requested to the Middle East Boxing Commission, which is overseeing Saturday's main event, that Fury trim back his facial hair.

But the Gypsy King has won the battle to keep it, according to Warren.

He 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."

Fury's team also requested to know about low punches in the rules meeting on Friday.

It comes after Usyk controversially went down to a supposed low blow from Dubois when they fought in 2023.

"It's what is considered to be a low blow or not," added Warren.

"Anything below the navel is a low blow and a lot of fighters wear their shorts higher and that sometimes leads to what you could say confusion as happened with Usyk and Daniel Dubois.

Fury sporting his beard in a face-off with Usyk (Image: Getty)

"There was a problem in that fight and we don't want that happening and nor does the other side, so the judge has made it very clear - which the judge in that previous fight did not make clear, he didn't come and give any instructions on it in the boxers' dressing rooms - to ensure that everybody understands this clarification and we know what a low blow is."

Meanwhile, there are doubts over whether Saturday's fight will even go ahead.

Sky Sports report that the two camps are currently 'deadlocked' in a dispute over the judges for the bout.

It comes after official Fernando Barbosa was unable to travel to Riyadh due to illness, with two judges being flown in to replace him.

It is said that both camps are split over which of the two judges should officiate the fight and have reached a 'deadlock'.

Warren has suggested solving the issue with a coin toss, though it is unclear if Usyk's camp will agree.

How to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for free

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To watch Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go head to head, there are three options.

1) You can watch the rematch for free on DAZN. All you need to do is sign up for a seven-day free trial and simply cancel your subscription once the event is over. You’ll be able to stream the match on a range of devices including Playstation, Chromecast, and Smart TV with more coverage than any other broadcaster. Once your free trial ends, a pay-per-view subscription will cost £24.99 per month and gives you access to over 150 fights every year, but alternatively you have the option to cancel before you are charged for your second month.

2) You can also tune in live on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky channel 491). The event is priced at £24.95 for Sky customers in the UK and $27.95 if you’re based in the Republic of Ireland. Sadly Sky does not offer free trials, but Sky subscribers can book the match here and if you’re new to Sky, you can sign up here.

3) Alternatively, you can watch the fight on TNT Sports with a Prime Video subscription (free for the first month then £8.99/ month), provided you have discovery+ (from £3.99/ month) as part of your subscription.