Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has shaved off his controversial beard just days on from his second consecutive defeat to rival Oleksandr Usyk.

The 'Gypsy King' is currently enjoying some well-earned time off with his family following his blockbuster sequel with the Ukrainian. Fury, 36, suffered the first defeat of his professional career back in May to 'The Cat.' Hoping to avenge his defeat to Usyk, the British heavyweight star took preparations for the rematch seriously and admitted that he hadn't spoken to his wife in over three months in the build-up to the clash.

But alas, it still wasn't enough to hand Usyk the first defeat of his professional career. In the second dust-up between the pair, Fury boxed much better. The Brit came out guns-blazing, and it was evident that he was looking for a finish early on. The 'Gypsy King' had a lot of success in the early rounds - targeting the body of Usyk well and having a lot of joy with his jab. However, the tide turned before the midway point as the Ukrainian's footwork and speed proved to be too much for Tyson - before the 37-year-old eventually got his hand raised via unanimous decision.

Pictures emerged of the pair following their clash in Riyadh - with both men largely coming away unscathed and injury-free. According to a friend of Fury's, the Morecambe brawler has made a big change within days of the defeat to Usyk. Jimmy Harrington has revealed that the 'Gypsy King' has shaved his beard and is enjoying a break with his family.

In an interview with Boxing King Media, when asked if Fury's shaved his beard off, Harrington - who revealed he recently visited Tyson - replied: "Yeah, he's shaved his beard off. He's obviously back at home in Morecambe now with his family. 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. He's been away for three months not seeing his family. He's just spent Christmas at home and I believe that he'll spend the New Year's (Eve) at home and not going away."

A lot was made of Fury's beard in the week leading up to the clash with Usyk. The latter's team argued that the British star had to trim his facial hair before stepping foot in the ring. However, in the end, the 'Gypsy King' eventually won the battle to keep his beard.

Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, told Sky Sports: “He has a beard and there's been a lot of fighters over the years who've fought with beards, and that's it.” He also revealed that Usyk would not be allowed to have the crucifix - given to him by Greek monks - in the corner. The Ukrainian famously kissed the cross during the first bout and insisted the religious piece helped inspire him.

He said: "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.”