Hughie Fury, the unbeaten and talented cousin of reigning heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, is in search of meaningful fights against established contenders as he chases his own dream of reaching the very top. Peter Fury, his trainer, has Tweeted how Andrey Fedosov “declined” a fight with the 21-year-old with the 18-0(10) pro record, but that contracts have now gone out for a Hughie Fury-Alexander Ustinov fight.
“We now offered Ustinov ranked no5 WBA WBO. & contracts gone out. Frank Warren trying to make this happen awaiting news from Frank,” Peter Tweeted today.
Ustinov, 33-1(24) is an experienced contender, beaten only by Kubrat Pulev in a ten year pro career. A huge man at almost 6’8,” Ustinov would have quite an advantage in both height and weight over Fury (who BoxRec have listed as 6’6,”) But, at age 39 and with Ustinov never being the fastest or most mobile of fighters, maybe the timing could be just right for the young Fury to take the fight, get a notable points win and make more of a name for himself.
The fight would prove a big attraction in the UK and there is the interesting side story of how the Russian almost fought Tyson Fury. Back in July of 2014, during a somewhat crazy spell, when first Dereck Chisora had to withdraw from his rematch with Fury, then Ustinov stepped in – only for Tyson himself to then pull out at the eleventh hour due to a family bereavement. Fury of course, went on to win the world title, while Ustinov went on to win four fights, beating decent if not great opposition.
Ustinov’s biggest career win to date came against David Tua, who he out-pointed back in November of 2013. Last seen stopping Konstantin Airich in December of last year, Ustinov has kept himself active and there would perhaps be those people who might suggest the giant would be too much for 21-year-old Fury. But Hughie and his team very much feel this is a winnable fight and they should be commended for asking for these kind or risky but rewarding fights. There are plenty of good judges who feel there will be a second Fury crowned as world heavyweight champion in the not too distant future.
If he can get past quality fighters like Ustinov and maybe a couple more contenders, Hughie will have closed in on his chance.
BoxRec have Fury down as next boxing, against TBA, on March 26th. Will it be Ustinov?
