Oleksandr Usyk banned from repeating Tyson Fury ‘trick’ during rematch

Both Usyk and Fury will be watched closely between rounds by an ‘inspector’ during their blockbuster heavyweight rematch in Riyadh on Saturday night

Oleksandr Usyk will be stopped from kissing his cross in the corner during his rematch with Tyson Fury rematch following the rules meeting in Riyadh on Friday afternoon.

In the first clash between the pair earlier this year, the Ukrainian was spotted ‘kissing a cross’ between rounds of his undisputed clash with the ‘Gypsy King.’ Prior to the confirmation, there was a lot of debate online as to what object the Ukrainian was placing towards his mouth back in May.

The moment seemed to breathe new life into the Ukrainian as he hurt Fury in the eighth before almost knocking him out in the ninth round. Usyk then went on to eventually defeat the Brit via split decision in what was a real back-and-forth encounter.

While the religious piece helped inspire him, it is believed that Usyk will not be able have the crucifix – which was given to him by Greek monks – according to Fury’s promoter Frank Warren. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “After the fight there was a lot of speculation, they weren’t sure what it was.

“We just cut through it all. If there’s anything that is used other than water that goes to the fighter’s lips, then the inspector will take it away and hold it and if anything is seen to be not correct then they’ll deal with it, test it, whatever that may be, what they have to do.”

Speaking about the cross, Usyk – a devout orthodox Christian – said: “This cross was a present from the chief monk in one of the Greek monasteries, where I go. This cross gives me strength and leads me to victory. I feel the love of the God of the Father from Paradise”. He added: ”I see myself as a man who sins, a sinner and I need help to overcome my sins. What were my sins in that fight? The main sin was that I hit him in the face.”

Also addressed in the meeting earlier today, Usyk’s team requested to the Middle East Boxing Commission that Fury trim back his beard. But the Gypsy King has won the battle to keep it on, according to promoter Warren. “He has a beard and there’s been a lot of fighters over the years who’ve fought with beards, and that’s it.”

Another thing that was brought up was from the Fury camp, They requested to know about the low punches as they don’t want a repeat of the scenes which caused controversy when Usyk went down to a low blow from Daniel Dubois last year. Warren added: “It’s what is considered to be a low blow or not. 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.

“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.”