Ignacio Robles will be the third referee in Tyson Fury's world heavyweight championship match with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night after a coin toss.
Fernando Barbosa was expected to be one of the three judges on fight night but was unable to travel to Riyadh due to illness, leaving the individual fight teams split between officials Steve Weisfeld and Robles.
Usyk's rematch with Britain's Fury takes place on Saturday night on the Riyadh season bill, live on Sky Sports box office.
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There was controversy at the Usyk v Fury 2 rules meeting after it was revealed that third referee Fernando Barboza has resigned due to illness. The rival camps are split on who should replace him.
The WBO, WBA, and WBC championships, which Usyk won from Fury in their first fight, will be on the line.
The other major point of contention ahead of the fight is the length of Fury's beard, with Usyk's team wondering if he could soften the blow.
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Tyson Fury weighed in at a career-high 281 pounds but the former heavyweight champion refused to remove some of his clothing, leaving questions about his true weight.
Fury is under no obligation to shave for the fight but Usyk's camp is adamant he should be cut.
Promoter Alex Krassyuk told Sky Sports: “The beard rule is being broken a lot. The WBC rules clearly state: 'A boxer's beard and/or mustache may be trimmed as long as, at the discretion of the commission and the manager, the thickness of the hair does not interfere with: (1) cushioning or giving influence in any way the outcome or path of points; or (2) give cuts or scrapes to his competitor.'
“So,” Krassyuk continued, “Tyson's beard needs to be trimmed. We'll push it further.”
However, the WBC has “no problem” with Fury's beard length.
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Highlights include Oleksandr Usyk becoming the heavyweight champion of the world after a stunning battle with Tyson Fury.
More to follow…
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Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury's epic heavyweight rematch will be live on Saturday 21st December. Sky Sports box office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
