Ignacio Robles will be the third official in Tyson Fury's world heavyweight championship bout with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night after the coin toss.
Fernando Barbosa was scheduled to be one of the three judges on fight night, but was unable to travel to Riyadh due to illness, resulting in the respective fight teams being split between officials Steve Weisfield and Robles.
The rematch between Usyk and British Fury will take place on Saturday evening in the Riyadh season bill, live Sky Sports Box Office.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
There was controversy at the Usyk v Fury 2 rules meeting after it was revealed that third judge Fernando Barboza had resigned due to illness. Rival camps are divided over who should replace him
Robles was previously a ringside judge for British fighters when Dmitry Bivol beat Lyndon Arthur in Saudi Arabia last year.
“It might (bother one of the campers) but they don't really have a leg to stand on,” he said. Sky Sports Andy Scott.
“After Barboza fell ill, two substitutes were replaced, and the team was unable to choose between them who it wanted.
“It will ultimately be up to the Middle East Boxing Commission to make that decision. Frank Warren was calling for a coin flip, and in the world of AI (artificial intelligence) and all these other things, common sense prevailed and we've flipped a coin.”
The WBO, WBA and WBC championships, which Usyk won from Fury in their first fight, will be on the line.
Another major point of contention ahead of the fight is the length of Fury's beard, with Usyk's team questioning whether it could actually soften the blow.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Tyson Fury weighed 281lbs in his career, but the former heavyweight champion has refused to remove any of his clothing, thus leaving questions about his real weight.
Fury is under no obligation to shave his hair for the fight but Usyk's camp insists he must cut it.
said promoter Alex Krasiuk Sky Sports: “The beard rule has been flagrantly violated. The WBC rules clearly say: 'A boxer may have a trimmed beard and/or mustache, so long as the thickness of facial hair, in the discretion of the committee and supervisor, does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect affects the impact or course of punches or (2) causes cuts or abrasions to his opponent.'
“So, Tyson's beard needs to be trimmed. We're going to push it further,” Krasiuk continued.
However, the WBC “has no problem” with the length of Fury's beard.
Scott added: “I don't think they would have ever been able to undo it, it was just a last-ditch attempt to upset Fury.”
An “epic battle” awaits
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Highlights as Oleksandr Usyk becomes undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after dramatic fight with Tyson Fury
Despite the outside noise… Sky Sports Matthew McLean still believes Usyk and Fury will have tunnel vision and won't let these discussions distract them.
“These two guys are so experienced. They've been at the highest level their whole lives and are always destined for these great nights,” McLean said. Sky Sports News.
“They will have put all that aside and now there is nothing left but tunnel vision.
“I expect it will be an epic fight. I think Fury will come with a 'seek and destroy' mentality, whether he can technically make this fight or not because Usyk has really quick feet, he's a tough guy.” Southpaw, so it's hard to close that distance.
“But Fury will definitely approach it with an aggressive tactical game plan. He will look to bring that kind of energy and intensity to the fight.
“Either he gets to Usyk or he'll run out of steam trying to stop himself later.”
The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be broadcast on Saturday, December 21 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
