Oleksandr Usyk barred from using pre-fight ritual during rematch vs Tyson Fury

Following a rules meeting between boxing chiefs on Friday afternoon in Riyadh, Oleksandr Usyk will no longer be allowed to kiss his cross in the corner during his upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury.

In their previous bout earlier this year, Usyk was observed 'kissing a cross' between rounds of his undisputed clash with the 'Gypsy King'. There had been much online speculation about the object the Ukrainian brought to his mouth during the fight in May.

After kissing the religious symbol, Usyk managed to deal significant damage to Fury in the eighth and nearly secured a knockout in the ninth. He ultimately claimed victory over the Briton via split decision in a fiercely competitive boxing match.

While Usyk drew inspiration from the crucifix, reportedly a gift from Greek monks, Fury's promoter Frank Warren has indicated that it will not be permitted this time around. In conversation with Sky Sports, Warren clarified: "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 his cross, Usyk - a devout orthodox Christian - shared: "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 further 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."

Meanwhile, also in the meeting earlier today, Usyk's team requested the Middle East Boxing Commission to ask Fury to trim his beard. However, according to promoter Warren, the Gypsy King has won the right to keep it.

"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 issue raised came from the Fury camp, who wanted clarification on low punches to avoid a repeat of the controversy when Usyk was hit by a low blow from Daniel Dubois last year. Warren explained: "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."