Tyson Fury will fight Alexander ‘The Great’ Ustinov at the Phones4U Arena on Saturday after his opponent pulled out during fight week with a hand injury.
On Monday it was announced that the eagerly anticipated rematch between heavyweight’s Fury and Dereck Chisora was off after the Londoner fractured his hand in sparring.
Over the past two days the controversial Mancunian’s team furiously searched for a late replacement.
Fury announced his new replacement this on his twitter account feed this morning, and took one final jab at Chisora.
“Got new Opponent for Saturday. Alexander Ustinov number 8IBF number 9 WBA . 29/1/22ko 6″8 tall can’t wait better fight than @dellboychisora,” he said.
Alexander Ustinov pic.twitter.com/KjgbHChJas
— Tyson Luke Fury (@Tyson_Fury) July 23, 2014
Fury’s camp have confirmed that discussions are also underway to reschedule the Chisora fight later this year in September.
Ustinov, 37, has fought 28 times as a professional, losing only once and winning 21 by knockout.
The towering Belarusian has had a successful kickboxing career and also fought in two professional MMA bouts.
The past 18 months have been particularly difficult for Fury, after two fights with David Haye fell through because of injuries to his opponent, before Chisora pulled out with injury on Monday.
Fury’s camp have confirmed that discussions are also underway to reschedule the Chisora fight later this year in September.
Speaking of his latest setback before his replacement was announced, he said: “It’s very frustrating for me that another of my major fights has been cancelled with my opponent pulling out injured.
“I have been training for months to get ready for this fight and am in the best condition of my life so for this to happen again – for the third time in such a short space of time – is a big blow.
“Nevertheless, I will be fighting this weekend and my team will find an adequate replacement.
“Believe me, whoever I face on Saturday they will be in big big trouble and I will take out my frustrations on them.”
Main image courtesy of iFL TV, with thanks.
