Will Fury’s “Paul Bunyan” Beard Save Him From Usyk’s Blows?

Fans question whether Tyson Fury can go into his rematch with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk without trimming his long beard in their headliner at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Fury’s Facial Fortification

The beard could be a way for Fury to cushion the blows that he’s going to be getting hit with by Usyk to avoid being knocked out. Having a Paul Bunyan lumberjack beard might save Fury from being knocked out by Usyk, giving him a chance of winning on the scorecards.

It’s not exactly fair if Fury’s got a beard that is a defense like the historic Maginot Line. Should Usyk have to find a way to defeat this defensive fortification?  Will the beard defense hold up under the strategic attacks from Usyk?

Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is allowed to fight with a beard, but he isn’t at the same length Fury’s, and he’s not had trouble taking hard shots in the way the Gyspsy King has.

“Knock him out. That’s what me and [trainer] Sugar[Hill Steward] are planning, getting him out of there,” said Tyson Fury to Fight Hub TV, revealing his basic goal for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.

“I did everything great last time. I didn’t get it. It was a close fight. This time, it’s going to be a different fight. I’m going to be a different person, a different fighter. I was 40% last time. 110% this time.

“Not true. I did do some sparring, but not as much as I wanted to. Let’s say that. I don’t want to make any excuses, but let’s say the real Tyson Fury will turn up on Saturday night. I believe I’m going to knock him out. I don’t think I’m going to do it. I know I’m going to do it,” said Fury.

If Fury fails to knock Usyk out and he himself is stopped, we’ll see if Turki Alalshikh is still interested in paying him big money for his fights because that would be his third straight, true loss if you count what should have been a defeat against Francis Ngannou on October 28, 2023.

“When he comes on the attack, I’ll annihilate him for sure. I’ve always been fearless in the waters of the heavyweight division. I’ve proved it time and time again. I’m here to put on an excellent show and regain everything I’ve lost,” said Fury.

Tyson’s resume is too limited to say that he’s “always been fearless” during his career because the only two notable world-class fighters he’s faced and beaten was then-39-year-old Wladimir in 2015 and Deontay Wilder. Klitschko was obviously old and washed up, and Wilder was a shaky fighter whose best career win before fighting Fury was against 40-year-old Luis Ortiz.

Even in the case of Wilder, it’s fair to point out that he deserved two knockout wins over Fury in fights #1 and #3. That count that referee Jerry Reuss gave to Fury in the 12th round of the first fight was so crazy. In the third fight, Fury was given what many felt was a long count after being dropped by Wilder in round four. Fury has a checkered past regarding dodging defeats, with referees making odd calls that worked in his favor.

Fury’s Weight

“I’m the heaviest I’ve been in years. I’m like 295 lbs. Show me the money. I’m a prizefighter; that’s what I do. So, Klitschko wants another hiding. I’m the man to do it,” said Fury about Turki Alalshikh reportedly being interested in setting up a rematch between them.

Fury obviously isn’t anywhere near 295 or even 280. His weight looks closer to 255 to 260. A fight against 48-year-old Wladimir Klitschko likely won’t be an option if Fury loses to Usyk on Saturday night; that would take away a lot of interest from the small number of fans that would want to see that match.