TYSON FURY is caught up in a major world-title rematch dispute — all because of his BEARD!

Champion Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “grossly violating” stringent regulations concerning the allowed length of facial hair and has urged him to grab a razor.

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The controversy began after Fury effectively argued against allowing the Ukrainian to bring a “lucky” crucifix into his corner during Saturday night’s £180million heavyweight Saudi showdown.

The Gypsy King from Britain, weighing in at an impressive 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE heavier than his opponent — showcases a full, bushy beard after choosing not to shave for 12 weeks.

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, voiced his anger: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.”

“The WBC regulations clearly state, ‘A boxer may maintain a trimmed beard as long as the hair thickness does not cushion or alter the impact or trajectory of punches or cause cuts or abrasions to his opponent’.

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“Therefore, Tyson’s beard must be trimmed. We are ready to escalate this matter.”

Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, remained resolute.

The Queensberry Promotions head asserted: “He has a beard, and many fighters throughout history have fought with beards, and that’s that.”

When SunSport reached out to the British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees the WBC, WBA, and WBO events in the Middle East, they indicated that Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk raises it at today’s rules meeting.

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However, WBC head Mauricio Sulaiman stated: “The matter was discussed, and the final decision depends on the local commission.”

“We do not believe Fury is gaining any advantage. We do not foresee a problem.”

‘Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but the Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’

Fury, 36, had previously triumphed in a dispute when undefeated Usyk, 37, was barred from bringing his beloved monk’s crucifix into his corner.

He had kissed it for good luck during his split-decision win in their initial Riyadh matchup last May.

Warren asserted: “If anything other than water reaches the fighter’s lips, the inspector will step in.”

“If anything appears out of line, it will be addressed.”

SunSport has learned that while Usyk’s team accepted the ban on the cross, they remain firmly against the beard issue.

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Fury weighed in at a career-high—an astounding 19lbs more than in their first bout—while Usyk came in at 16st 2lbs, just three pounds heavier than last time.

The disagreement over judges persisted, as Miami’s Fernando Barbosa withdrew due to illness.

Negotiations stalled over whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles—who appeared as a last-minute backup—would join Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.

Warren, who backed Robles, commented: “I suggested we flip a coin.”

He added: “A clash is set to unfold tomorrow.”

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