Tyson Fury may be forced to shave his beard before challenging Oleksandr Usyk due to strict boxing rules surrounding facial hair.

The Gypsy King is seeking to avenge his first professional career loss he suffered at the hands of the Ukrainian back in May when he rematches the undisputed heavyweight champion on Saturday (December 21).

However, before entering the ring at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fury may be required to make changes to his facial hair.

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Having sported a bushy beard in the lead-up to the fight - a contrast to his clean-shaven look for the first clash - his new look could take him into hot water with boxing regulations. The rules of the sport clearly state that the jawlines of fighters must be visible during fights for both safety and officiating reasons.

This isn't a new issue Fury has had to contend with as he's previously been forced to shave before his fights against Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder. While the 36-year-old is seemingly in touch with his beard, believing it symbolises his elite mentality, his promoter Frank Warren is vehemently against beards in boxing.

"I have always been opposed to an abundance of facial growth on fighters," the Queensbury founder said. "Stubble leads to trouble. The main reason beards used to be prohibited was because it was thought they cushion the impact of a punch. With any opponent who fights one of my boxers I always insist any beard is shaved off.

"I did so when Jeff Lacy fought Joe Calzaghe and Tyson Fury first met Derek Chisora – and Fury’s growth or the second bout was so abundant it was ordered to be removed by the Board of Control."

While fans hope the fight isn't subject to any last-minute controversy, Fury is full of confidence as he aims to become just the third British boxer to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

"I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating," the Manchester native said. Despite losing the first fight, Fury was encouraged by his performance as he added: "I won't change anything. Why would I when I had control of the fight for maybe 80 per cent of it?"