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."

Meanwh