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    Tyson Fury arrives for Oleksandr Usyk fight with ‘gross rule violation’ as he refuses to cave to champion’s demand

    TYSON FURY has arrived for tonight’s blockbuster rematch with Oleksandr Usyk with his beard IN TACT.Team Usyk fumed at the length of the Gypsy King’s beard ahead of tonight’s Saudi showdown, claiming it “GROSSLY” violated strict facial hair length rules.Oleksandr Usyk’s team protested at the lengthy of Tyson Fury’s beard this weekCredit: AFPTeam Usyk believe it’s a “gross violation” of WBC rulesCredit: GETTYFury, however, has seemingly refused to remove his facial hairCredit: DAZNFury seemingly hasn’t taken his beard down at allCredit: SKY SPORTSBut The Gypsy King has appeared to have IGNORED the Ukrainians’ demands to get his razor out, arriving for the Riyadh rumble with his beard in full force.Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk wasn’t shy in voicing his belief that Fury’s facial hair is in violation of WBC rules.He said: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.“The WBC rules clearly say, ‘A boxer may espouse a trimmed beard as long as the hair thickness does not cushion or affect the impact or trajectory of punches, or cause cuts or abrasions to his rival’.”READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”Fury and his team, however, have seemingly refused to back down in Beardgate – which has become an unlikely talking point ahead of tonight’s eagerly-anticipated rematch.Queensberry Promotions chief Frank Warren said: “He has a beard and there have been a lot of fighters over the years who have fought with beards, and that’s it.”FURY-USYK BETTING TIPS AND FREE BETSHis manager Spencer Brown told ESPN: “Tyson Fury has boxed with a beard on many occasions as do other fighters.Most read in Boxing”Most recently [Artur] Beterbiev. “Usyk himself has come out publicly and said Tyson having a beard is no problem. Francis Ngannou arrives for Fury vs Usyk 2″There is no law or ruling in boxing to say you can’t fight with a beard. “It’s ridiculous that this has already been brought up in a rules meeting to no avail. “Simply put if Usyk had a beard we would have no issue. This is not a fashion show, it’s boxing.”Fury, 36, suffered a split decision defeat to Usyk in their historic undisputed straightener in May.The Wythenshawe warrior has appeared to put on several pounds in order to out-muscle and bully Usyk, who he wants to stop in devastating fashion.He said: “I’m going to dish out a whole lot of pain.Tyson Fury has vowed to brutally exact revenge on Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty”I’m going to put this f****r in the hurt locker, for sure.”I’ve got nothing to say other than there’s going to be a whole load of hurt and pain in this fight, you watch.”That’s all I’ve got to say. The talking’s been done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The first fight I talked, I joked, all my career. This fight I’m serious.”I’m going to do some f***ing damage.” More

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    Paris Fury steals show in floral outfit at Tyson’s fight vs Usyk and predicts ‘very brutal’ result

    PARIS FURY has backed husband Tyson to serve Oleksandr Usyk a brutal dish of revenge in their rematch. Usyk became the first man to ever defeat Fury after their 12-round classic in Saudi Arabia in May. Paris Fury arriving for Tyson’s fight against Oleksandr UsykParis stole the show in a floral outfitParis Fury watching from ringsideCredit: PANow they are back in Riyadh to do it all over again and Fury claimed he went three months without speaking to wife Paris in training camp. But the two are set to reunite after the bout – and Paris hopes with her husband victorious. She told TNT Sports: “Yeah it is nice. It’ll be nice to see him win tonight.”Asked for a prediction, she said: “Hopefully with the mood he’s in very quickly and very brutally.”READ MORE IN BOXINGParis threatened to steal the show in her floral outfit as she arrived for the biggest fight in Fury’s life. The Gypsy King spent weeks of gritty training out in Malta – without any contact with childhood sweetheart Paris. Fury said: “It’s been a long camp, been away from my wife and kids for three months.“I’ve not spoken to Paris at all for three months, not one word. I’ve sacrificed a lot. It will be worth it, 100 per cent.”Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParis opened up on Fury’s period of silence in an interview with iFL TV. She said: “Yep it is true. ‘There was a sadness to him’ – Tyson Fury’s trainer reveals boxer’s torment over Paris’ miscarriage before Usyk fight”I think after the last fight, everything that went on previously personally in our lives and then Tyson obviously had the outcome last time, I just think he decided this on his own and I had to support him in it.”He didn’t want to be involved in family life so he’s cut himself off from us for the last few months and he has put himself in a serious, serious condition and he looks very, very determined.”So if it’s what needed to be, then God willing tomorrow night it will all come out and it will all be good and all worthwhile.”Asked how she has found the time apart, Paris continued: “It’s been very difficult I can’t lie.”I supported him in the decision but it wasn’t the greatest thing to sit and not speak to your husband for a long time.”Yesterday was the first time I saw him, we still haven’t spoken, I literally was ten feet across from him and we’ve just barely made eye contact.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I can see and I think in my heart it’s paid off.”I haven’t seen him like this since the Deontay Wilder rematch, this was the last time I’ve seen Tyson in this mood so I can’t give you much inside scoop because we haven’t spoken for weeks and weeks and weeks.”Paris Fury spent three months without talking to TysonCredit: InstagramTyson Fury was out training in MaltaCredit: instagram @tysonfuryFury facing off with UsykCredit: Reuters More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk post-fight press conference stream: How to watch live for free

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk step inside the ropes for their long-awaited rematch tonight.And immediately following the big main event you can catch both fighters talking in their post-fight press conference.Tyson Fury speaking post-fight last time outCredit: Queensberry Promotions YouTubeUsyk prevailed by a split-decision victory in their first fight back in May.The Ukrainian superstar badly rocked Fury in the ninth-round, forcing the Gypsy King into a standing count after the ropes held him up.This time round, Fury has weighed in at a career heaviest 20 stone, which is FOUR stones heavier than his rival Usyk.Although Fury was wearing several layers of clothing, including keeping his jacket on.The day prior to the weigh in saw the fighters stare off for over ELEVEN minutes.Here is how to watch every word from the post-fight press conference following the fight.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK 2 TIPS AND ODDSHow to watch the Fury vs Usyk post-fight press conferenceFollowing on from the conclusion of the big fight tonight, post-fight press conferences with the pair will be broadcast.Most read in BoxingThe fighters are expected to do separate post-fight press conferences in the aftermath of the fight.And these are set be shown in their entirety for free on Queensberry Promotions’s and Top Rank’s YouTube channels.Oleksandr Usyk badly rocked Tyson Fury last time outCredit: PAWhen is Fury vs Usyk 2?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is taking place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is hosting the big fight.The ring walks are expected at 10pm BST – this is 1am local time.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: How to watch Fury vs Usyk 2DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will all be broadcasting Usyk vs Fury once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video.You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event. More

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    Boxing beard rules: Should Tyson Fury’s be banned after Usyk complaint?

    TYSON FURY will be out for revenge TONIGHT as he faces Ukrainian heavy-hitter in a blockbuster Riyadh rematch – but his beard could be a problem.The Gypsy King has been sporting a full beard since he arrived in Saudi which was most noticeable on Friday’s weigh-in where he tipped the scales at a staggering Tyson Fury has been sporting a bushy beardCredit: AFPAnd there has been a row in Usyk’s camp who insist that it should be trimmed as they believe it could be used as an advantage during the fight.Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk was most vocal about this and has even pointed to WBC’s regulations to support his argument.Even claiming that they’ll push things “further” if needs be despite the thrilling heavyweight clash just being HOURS away.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Should Tyson Fury’s beard be banned after Usyk’s complaint?According to WBC’s regulations, the length of a boxer’s beard is at the discretion of the commission and the supervisor.Read more on Usyk vs Fury 2This was explained on Sky Sports by Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk where he said: “Beard rule is grossly violated.”WBC rules clearly say: ‘A boxer may spouse a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, in the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.'”So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”What is the final verdict?WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman disputed Krassyuk’s interpretation and quickly dismissed the promoter’s beard argument.Sulaiman said: “There’s a regulation and the boxing commission inspected him and there is no issue.”Mind games. These are the mind games for a big fight.”Most read in BoxingWhat has Oleksandr Usyk said?Ukrainian mogul Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he has no concerns about Fury’s lengthy beard.Speaking to IFL TV, Usyk said: “For me, it does not matter. For me. It does not help Tyson Fury.”How to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will all be broadcasting Usyk vs Fury once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video.You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event. More

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    Watch Oleksandr Usyk’s bizarre impression of Tyson Fury… but fans convinced he sounds just like Mr Bean instead

    OLEKSANDR Usyk has sent fans into a frenzy with his bizarre impression of Tyson Fury.The Ukrainian champion is aiming to repeat his first fight heroics and retain his heavyweight titles in Saudi Arabia tonight.Oleksandr Usyk sent fans into a frenzy with his impression of Tyson FuryCredit: XFans agreed that it was more ‘Mr.Bean than Fury’Credit: XFury and Usyk will finally settle their feud in a mouthwatering Riyadh rematch tonightCredit: GettyUsyk beat Fury on points to become the undisputed champ in May, the first in the four-belt era, but has dropped the IBF band for the rematch.Fury, 36, has repeatedly mocked Usyk, branding his foe a “rabbit” and taunting his inability to “finish the job” in their first bout.The Brit will no doubt alter his harsh stance after the final bell has rung, but Usyk’s impression of the Gypsy King has resurfaced.During an interview in October 2023, with negotiations over the first fight rumbling on, he began to jokingly burble in a British accent.READ MORE FURY v USYK Usyk said: “Tyson Fury he is a good family man, but if you switch on the TV or a camera, it’s a change. Like an alien you, know?”Before shifting into a strange accent saying: “You Rabbit, you b***h, light heavyweight, middleweight.”Fans were quick to react to the viral clip, with one writing: “Hahaha why does he sound like Mr. Bean? 😂😂😂.”While another said: “Good impression, just like him to be fair!”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans compared Usyk’s impression of Fury to Rowan Atkinson’s character Mr. BeanCredit: AlamyA third added: “He honoured Fury and clowned him in less than 60 seconds.”One more replied: “Anyone else think it was more Mr. Bean than Tyson Fury? 😅” ‘I can’t lie’- Tyson Fury’s wife Paris admits heartache at boxer cutting himself off from family for THREE MONTHSUsyk, 37, is the only man to inflict defeat on Fury in the professional ranks.The Briton is a slight underdog as he aims to become the first fighter to beat the Ukrainian warhorse. Meanwhile, Fury has been granted permission to keep his beard for tonight’s heavyweight showdown.Usyk’s team had wanted the Gypsy King to shave off his bushy beard for the Saudi rematch.They suggested that it could actually cushion a blow to the face, which would benefit Fury during the fight.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: More

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    Major change to Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 as inexperienced official drafted in just hours before heavyweight fight

    BOXING chiefs have drafted in inexperienced official Ignacio Robles in their search for a third judge just hours before the blockbuster rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Fury, 36, and Usyk, 37, are set to lock horns tonight in a heavyweight showdown at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the WBO, WBA, and WBC championships on the line.A replacement third judge has been found for the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr UsykCredit: PAInexperienced official Ignacio Robles will be officiating Fury vs Usyk IICredit: GettyFernando Barbosa was expected to be one of the three judges for the fight but was unable to travel due to illness.That left both fight camps split between officials Steve Weisfeld and Robles.But following a coin toss, it was ruled that the judge from Panama would be the replacement.Robles is not very experienced but has previously been a judge at ringside for British fighters.Read More on BoxingHe officiated when Dmitry Bivol defeated Mancunian boxer Lyndon Arthur in Saudi Arabia last year.Fury and Usyk’s first fight in May went to the judges after 12 gruelling rounds.And it was the undefeated Ukrainian who prevailed via split decision to extend his staggering winning streak to 22 fights.This marked Fury’s first ever loss in 36 fights, 34 of which he has won during his glittering 16-year career.Most read in BoxingIn the first contest Usyk earned scorecards of 115-112 from judge Manuel Oliver Palomo and 114-113 from Mike Fitzgerald.The British boxing superstar, on the other hand, snatched the other card with a score of 114-113 from judge Craig Metcalfe.Watch Oleksandr Usyk’s bizarre impression of Tyson Fury… but fans convinced he sounds just like Mr Bean insteadFury has never been knocked out and Usyk is still undefeated, therefore it is highly likely the result may have to go to the judges once more.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: More

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    Who is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 referee Roberto Ramirez Jnr?

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk resume battle on Saturday night to be crowned heavyweight king – but who is the third man in the ring?Here we get to know Roberto Ramirez Jr, who will be officiating the blockbuster rematch in Riyadh.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go toe-to-toe for a second time on SaturdayCredit: ReutersRoberto Ramirez Jr (left) will be in charge of the fightCredit: PAWho is Roberto Ramirez Jr?Roberto Ramirez Jr is a professional boxing referee from Puerto Rico.His father, Roberto Ramirez Sr, was also a respected referee who presided over title fights, including Aaron Pryor vs Gaetan Hart in November 1980 for the WBA light-welterweight belt.Ramirez Jr followed in his father’s footsteps, beginning his professional refereeing career in 2003.Over the course of his career to date, he has officiated an impressive 412 bouts, including multiple world title fights.read more on fury v usyk 2First heavyweight title fightWhile Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be the first heavyweight world title fight he has reffed, Ramirez Jr has overseen some big clashes in the top division.His most significant heavyweight fight so far was the 2014 demolition of Malik Scott by Deontay Wilder.He has also looked after influencer boxing fights, including the October 2023 dust-up between Logan Paul and Dillon Danis.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2The pinnacle of Ramirez Jr’s career so far is his selection to ref the highly-anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingThe biggest fight of the year is scheduled for around 10pm on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Beyond his in-ring duties, Ramirez Jr has actively contributed to the development of boxing officiating.Tyson Fury stuns reporter with chilling threat to inflict ‘serious hurt’ on Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight rematchExpertiseIn October 2023, he participated in a WBO Referee and Judges Seminar in Nicaragua, sharing his expertise with aspiring officials.He is committed to improving the standard of officiating in boxing and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of referees.Furthermore, Ramirez Jr has been involved in WBO conventions, further cementing his standing in the international boxing community.CriticismWhile Ramirez Jr has generally enjoyed a controversy-free career, he has not been immune to criticism.It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?Chantelle CameronBBC Radio NorthamptonFollowing Chantelle Cameron’s defeat by Katie Taylor in their November 2023 rematch, both Cameron and her former trainer Jamie Moore expressed dissatisfaction with Ramirez Jr’s officiating.Cameron told BBC Radio Northampton: “It wasn’t just me and Katie in that ring. If it was, I’d take the loss and say the better woman won on the night.”I had everything against me. The ref on the night… It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?”That’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. I don’t look into who’s reffing, who’s judging.Chantelle Cameron wasn’t happy with Roberto Ramirez Jr’s performance during her rematch with Katie TaylorCredit: DAZN“I’m just frustrated — if I could turn back the hands of time, I would make sure that was all looked into. I’ve learnt my lesson.”In a post-fight interview, Moore said: “We were denied a knockdown in the first round, which should have been a 100% legitimate knockdown.”I begged the referee in the changing room before the fight, please, last time, she got away with holding a lot.”My fighter’s best work is up close. Please don’t let her hold the way she did last time this time. And he allowed her to go on worse this time than it was last time.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m gutted for her because she was so frustrated by the fourth and fifth rounds because she was holding that much.”From watching what I watched, if Chantelle was allowed to do the work that she can do on the inside, it would have been a different result.”Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    Who is on commentary for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: DAZN, TNT Sports and Sky Sports’ FULL panel

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are all set to face off TONIGHT in what is expected to be a spine-tingling heavyweight bout – so it’s only right that each commentary team has a panel full of experts!The Gypsy King will do everything he possibly can to get revenge in this super Saudi showdown.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchUsyk handed Fury his first-ever professional defeat earlier this year with a stunning split-decision win despite being taken to hospital immediately after with a suspected broken jaw.Ukrainian powerhouse Usyk also became the first heavyweight undisputed champion this CENTURY for his troubles.However, unlike last time, only three belts will be up for grabs as Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF title to allow mandatories to get their shot at winning it. But one thing that hasn’t changed from the previous contest is that THREE major broadcasters will be covering the fight, and SunSport can reveal who represents each platform.Read more on Fury vs Usyk 2Who is on commentary for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2?Tyson Fury’s huge rematch against TONIGHT Oleksandr Usyk will be shown live on DAZN, TNT Sports Box Office AND Sky Sports Box OfficeAnd each major broadcaster has their own commentary and presenting teams for the mouthwatering Riyadh rematch.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: DAZNMajor sporting broadcaster DAZN has confirmed that Kate Scott and Ade Oladipo will be lead presenters for the night.And they’ll be joined by Andy Lee and Eddie Hearn as guest pundits.Most read in BoxingIn the commentary booth will be Adam Smith, who is back calling his first major fight since leaving Sky Sports following his battle with cancer. Joining Smith will be ex-world champion boxers Barry Jones and Darren Barker. TNT SPORTS BOX OFFICELaura Woods misses out for a second successive time, so Becky Ives is the lead presenter once again.Woods was forced to watch from home earlier this year after suffering a freak accident on holiday.But it is a much more positive reason as to why she is not available this time round – the presenting guru is pregnant.Becky Ives will also have expert help from Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce.Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall have been left in charge of commentary.SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICEEver-present Anna Woolhouse is presenting for Sky Sports.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe’ll have Johnny Nelson, Matt Christie and Dave Caldwell in the studio alongside her.What time are the ring-walks for Fury vs Usyk 2 and when does the fight start?Ring-walk times for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is scheduled for 10pm UK time/5pm ET.This means that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s huge fight should get underway approximately 15 minutes later – 10:15pm UK time/5:15pm ET.However, timings could change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the allocated arena for this huge event and it can host around 26,000 spectators.The huge flight will be streamed on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT but alternatively, SunSport will LIVE blog the full card. More