By Boxnation
ALEXANDER USTINOV might be a late sub, but looks certain to give Tyson Fury one of the toughest nights in his career so far.
The 6ft 8in Belarussian won’t be daunted by boxing in Fury’s hometown of Manchester on Saturday night. He ended the career of David Tua when he travelled to New Zealand last November.
Former world title challenger Tua was widely outpointed in his homeland with Ustinov taking the bout 120-108 and 119-110 and the two other judges’ cards.
Ustinov controlled the action with his superior reach and the smaller Tua had no answer to his opponent.
He turned professional in May 2005 and has won 29 of his 30 fights with Britain’s own Michael Sprott, Monte Barrett, Paolo Vidoz and Denis Bakhtov among his victims.
Ustinov is big, strong, and his chin looks rock solid, so if Fury manages to win inside the distance it would be a remarkable achievement.
Despite the call-up, Ustinov is in good shape having spent weeks sparring with unlucky Dereck Chisora in London.
Ironically he was sparring with Chisora when the Londoner broke his hand last week.
Also, having prepared for 6ft 2in Chisora, Fury may need time adjusting to a man who is even bigger than himself.
The 22 stone giant’s sole defeat came in September 2012 when Kubrat Pulev knocked him out in 11 rounds.
Ustinov is promoted by the Klitschko brother’s K2 organisation and regularly sparred with Vitali ahead of big fights.
Ustinov also has a distinguished MMA and kickboxing career, although the noble art has been his sport of choice for the past six years.
He won several K1 tournaments and back in 2003 reached the semi-finals of the K1 world Grad Prix.
Chisora was forced out of the Fury fight for now after sparring with Ustinov; now the Beast from the East could ruin the great British domestic fight for good.
English
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