I am going by memory alone on this guys,so don't crucify me if I am wrong.But when Joe Frazier and Bob Foster fought for Frazier's heavyweight title,I remember they said it was the first that both fighters in a heavyweight title match sported facial hair.As Frazier had a beard and Foster with his,as they put it,"sinister looking Fu Man Chu".Musta been a rule at one time?
it just meant that personal hygiene was not that high on the priority list. they probably didnt shower either.training for the next fight was the only thing on their minds.
The rules on facial hair have always been left up to the judgment of the local commission, as far as I know. For example, Ruben Carter sported a goatee in many of his fights, but was ordered to shave it by the local commission when he challenged Giardello for the title.
A mustache is kool just about anywhere, but beard's are sketchy...... Some states care while others do not...... It's all bull****..... "Duran & Holy" have fought with some pretty thick chin whiskers in the past..... John Ruiz as well.... Peace... MR.BILL
is it not to do with the oppositions consent you can have a beard as long as your opponents is ok with it because the thats is why Lacy shaved his beard before fighting Calzaghe
I think it was Vitali's team who had the best line on beards, before the Danny Williams fight: "As long as he doesn't hide a shoe-horn in there, we're ok with it!"
It's still up to the commission, I believe. Sometimes a commission might not get involved unless the opponent complains first, but I've seen commissions tell the opponent that the beard is fine and can stay.
I don't know if it was a rule in the past, (although I'm practically willing to bet that there was) but now I think most commissions stick to the idea that as long as it's not long or thick enough to cushion a punch it's fine. (So no mountain man beards, but most others are fine unless your opponents tries to make a big deal out of it).
