Tyson Fury has shaved off his beard following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, marking a significant change in appearance for the heavyweight boxer.
The ‘Gypsy King’, aged 36, made the dramatic transformation after experiencing the second loss of his career, with his initial defeat to ‘The Cat’ coming in May.
The decision comes as Fury takes time away from the ring, spending time with his family after an intense period that saw him isolate from his wife for three months during fight preparations.
Fresh images from Riyadh showed both fighters appearing unscathed from their recent bout before Fury’s transformation.
Tyson Fury has shaved off his beard following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, marking a significant change in appearance for the heavyweight boxer
PA
Jimmy Harrington, a close friend of Fury’s, confirmed the boxer’s new clean-shaven look to Boxing King Media.
“Yeah, he’s shaved his beard off. He’s obviously back at home in Morecambe now with his family,” Harrington revealed.
The heavyweight is settling back into daily routines, according to his friend.
JUST IN: Wayne Rooney makes resignation admission after latest Plymouth nightmare
Tyson Fury’s beard was a point of controversy before his recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
PA
“He’s just doing his day-to-day things… going out for coffee, going out with his family and doing his tips runs as well as getting back into family and father life,” said Harrington.
Fury plans to New Year’s Eve at home following his extended absence from family life.
His beard had been a point of contention before the rematch, with Usyk’s team demanding it be trimmed before the fight.
READ MORE:Luke Humphries makes confident admission after losing to Peter Wright at World Darts Championship
The ‘Gypsy King’ ultimately prevailed in keeping his facial hair for the bout.
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, addressed the controversy in comments to Sky Sports, stating: “He has a beard and there’s been a lot of fighters over the years who’ve fought with beards, and that’s it.”
The beard debate was just one of several pre-fight controversies, which also included discussions about Usyk’s crucifix, a gift from Greek monks, being banned from his corner.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
That didn’t detract from the 37-year-old’s victory, however, with Usyk currently on top of the world.
Fury, meanwhile, was left furious by his defeat and recently accused the judges of giving his rival the victory as a ‘Christmas gift’.
“I felt a little Christmas spirit in there and I think he got a little Christmas gift from them judges. An early Christmas gift,” he fumed.
Tyson Fury felt he was robbed during his recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
PA
“I was confident I had won that fight again. I thought Id won both fights, but then again Ive gone home with two losses on my record. I will always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.
“I’m not going to cry over spilt milk. Its happened now. I know boxing, Ive been in it all my life and you cant change no decisions.
“I will always feel a little bit hard done by. Not a little bit, actually a lot. When you dont get the knockout, this is what happens. You cant guarantee the win.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours