Boxing

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

PARIS FURY confessed her heartache at husband Tyson cutting himself away from the family for three months. The former heavyweight world champion, 36, is determined to get revenge on Oleksandr Usyk in their Riyadh rematch tonight.Paris Fury opened up on life without her husband for three monthsCredit: InstagramTyson Fury cut himself out of family life to focus on preparing to beat Oleksandr UsykCredit: ReutersAnd part of his plan to dedicate everything to making amends for May’s defeat was a drastic and difficult one for his wife of 16 years.The boxer decided to remove himself from the family home and claims he has gone THREE MONTHS without speaking to Paris.In the build-up to the blockbuster bout, Tyson 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.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK II“I’ve sacrificed a lot. It will be worth it (if I win), 100 per cent.”And now Paris has backed up those suggestions as she revealed how tough the time apart has been on her and their seven kids. Paris – who suffered a miscarriage on the eve of the first fight in May – flew out to Saudi Arabia in first class alongside eldest son Prince John James. Interviewed in the Middle East, she told IFL TV Boxing: “Yep it is true. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk weigh in ahead of massive fight in Saudi Arabia “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. “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.”Fury suffered the first defeat of his pro career when the split decision went Usyk’s way earlier in the year.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: But he has turned every stone to find the winning formula in the eagerly-anticipated rematch.The Gypsy King weighed in at a whopping 20 stone – the heaviest of his career – although stood on the scales while wearing his clothing.Usyk, who hopes to defend the IBO, WBC, and WBO titles, plus the lesser WBA (Super) crown and The Ring belt, came in four stone lighter.The Brit looks set to earn approximately £68million of the £150m fight purse, with Usyk edging the split 55:45 due to his victory in their first encounter. However, there has been controversy in the final preparation for the first bell – over the replacement for an ill judge and Fury’s bushy beard.The Morecambe giant has grown out his facial hair but Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, fumed: “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 SUN STORIES”So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, refused to back down but when SunSport quizzed the British Boxing Board of Control, which has trained and supports the Middle East chiefs in charge of the WBC, WBA and WBO clash, they said Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk complained at the rules meeting.Paris and eldest son Prince flew out to Saudi in first classCredit: instagram/parisfuryShe made brief eye contact with her husband after a long time apartCredit: PAFury is desperate to get revenge on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY is at the centre of a huge world-title rematch row — over his BEARD!Champion Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “grossly violating” strict rules on the length of facial hair and demanded he gets his razor out.Tyson Fury rematches Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King is sporting a massive beard for the do-or-die rematchCredit: PATeam Usyk have kicked off over the size of Fury’s beard and demanded he trim itCredit: GETTYThe storm erupted after Fury won his battle to ban the Ukrainian from having a “lucky” crucifix in his corner for Saturday night’s £180million heavyweight Saudi showdown.Britain’s Gypsy King, who weighed in at a massive 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE heavier than his rival — is sporting a full, bushy beard after refusing to shave for 12 weeks.But Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, fumed: “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’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, refused to back down.The Queensberry Promotions chief blasted: “He has a beard and there have been a lot of fighters over the years who have fought with beards, and that’s it.”When SunSport quizzed the British Boxing Board of Control, which has trained and supports the Middle East chiefs in charge of the WBC, WBA and WBO clash, they said Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk complained at yesterday’s rules meeting.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Yet WBC supremo Mauricio Sulaiman insisted: “The matter was discussed and the final decision is with the local commission.“We do not feel Fury gets any advantage. We do not think there will be a problem.”’Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’Fury, 36, won an earlier squabble when undefeated Usyk, 37, was told he could not have his cherished monk’s crucifix in his corner.He kissed it for inspiration during his split-decision triumph in May’s first Riyadh tear-up.But Warren insisted: “If there’s anything other than water that goes to the fighter’s lips then the inspector will take it away.“If anything is seen to be not correct it will be dealt with.”SunSport understands Usyk’s team have accepted the banning of the cross but are digging in their heels over Beardgate.Fury weighed in at a career-heaviest — a stonking 19lbs bigger than the first fight, while Usyk tipped the scales at 16st 2lbs, just three pounds up on last time.There was another argument around the judges after Miami’s Fernando Barbosa withdrew ill.The warring parties were at loggerheads over whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles — who jetted in as emergency cover — would sit alongside Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.READ MORE SUN STORIESWarren, who wanted Robles, said: “I’ve suggested we toss a coin.”He added: “There’s going to be a war tomorrow.”Tyson Fury and promoter Frank Warren are refusing to back down in the beard rowCredit: GETTY More