Oleksandr Usyk will be prevented from using object in Tyson Fury rematch after controversy in first fight

Oleksandr Usyk will not be allowed to kiss his cross, which caused controversy in his win over Tyson Fury in May.

The Ukrainian champion was seen kissing an object during his split-decision victory over Fury in Riyadh in May.

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Boxing fans on social media suggested that it was an inhaler after zooming in on screenshots of the object.

Using an inhaler during the fight would be illegal, and is considered a PED if taken in the contest.

Usyk was then forced as a result to release a statement vehemently denying that he used PED’s during the bout.

But nonetheless it led to bizarre widespread backlash, and as a result an inquest into the use of foreign objects in the ring.

Moreover, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has now confirmed that only water will be allowed to touch a fighters lips during the second heavyweight battle this weekend.

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.”

He suggested that the decision was aided by Fury’s camp, who were keen to reduce online speculation and avoid any controversy.

There has also been questions over other rules in the build-up, including what classifies a low-blow.

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Fury’s team sought clarification over the rule, after Usyk was controversially dropped by a low blow in his win over 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.”

The back and forth over rules and the smaller elements of the bout have continued right up until the closing stages.

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Usyk’s team requested that Fury should be forced to shave his beard before the fight to avoid any mishaps.

That request has since been denied by the commission, with Fury allowed to keep it.

However, Usyk’s team issued a statement on Friday insisting that Fury must make the change as rules dictate.

It read: “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”.

The Briton is gunning for revenge for his first career defeat earlier this year.

A win could set up a trilogy, with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh planning to make an immediate offer if he edges past Usyk.

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday, December 21 with our coverage kicking off from 7.30pm

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