TYSON FURY finds himself embroiled in a significant world-title rematch dispute — and it’s all due to his BEARD!

The reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “seriously breaching” strict guidelines concerning facial hair length, urging him to pick up a razor.

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The dispute arose after Fury successfully argued to stop the Ukrainian from having a “lucky” crucifix in his corner during this Saturday night’s £180million heavyweight Saudi clash.

Britain’s Gypsy King, who weighed in at an impressive 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE heavier than his opponent — is showcasing a full, bushy beard after abstaining from shaving for 12 weeks.

In response, Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, expressed outrage: “The beard rule is being significantly violated.”

“According to WBC regulations, ‘A boxer may have a trimmed beard as long as its thickness does not cushion or influence the impact or trajectory of punches or cause injuries or cuts to his opponent’.”

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“As such, Tyson’s beard must be trimmed. We plan to pursue this matter seriously.”

Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, stood firm and refused to yield.

The leader of Queensberry Promotions asserted: “He has a beard, and throughout history, numerous fighters have competed with beards, and that’s where we stand.”

When SunSport reached out to the British Boxing Board of Control, which trains and oversees the Middle East authorities for the WBC, WBA, and WBO event, they stated that Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk raises this issue at the scheduled rules meeting today.

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However, WBC head Mauricio Sulaiman stated: “The matter was discussed, and the ultimate decision rests with the local commission.

“We do not believe Fury has any unfair advantage. We do not anticipate any issues.”

‘Ice cold’ Tyson Fury promises ‘pain’ for Oleksandr Usyk – but Ukrainian is winning ‘mind games’

Fury, 36, previously secured a victory in an earlier disagreement when the unbeaten Usyk, 37, was not allowed to bring his cherished monk’s crucifix into his corner.

He had kissed it for inspiration during his split-decision win in the first Riyadh matchup last May.

However, Warren commented: “If anything other than water touches the fighter’s lips, the inspector will intervene.

“If something seems out of place, it will be addressed.”

SunSport has learned that Usyk’s team has accepted the prohibition on the cross but remains firm on the beard debate.

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Fury registered his heaviest career weigh-in — a staggering 19lbs more than in the initial fight, while Usyk weighed in at 16st 2lbs, only three pounds heavier than before.

The dispute over the judges was ongoing after Miami’s Fernando Barbosa stepped back due to illness.

The parties involved found themselves at an impasse over whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles — who arrived as last-minute replacement — would join Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.

Warren, who backed Robles, remarked: “I suggested we flip a coin.”

He added: “A battle awaits tomorrow.”

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