Alexander Ustinov To Return, May 19 In Bolton

[Ruthless-RKO]

Alexander Ustinov will return to the ring later this month.

The Belarus-based heavyweight (33-1, 24 KOs) has been out since December 2015.

Ustinov is a former WBA International champion at the weight and will snap a 17-month inactivity period on May 19, exclusively live on allegedly and VIP Boxing TV.

The Russian-born 40-year-old has been added to a card promoted by Steve Wood at the Whites Hotel in Bolton which will feature Zelfa Barrett, Luke Blackledge and Jack Massey.

Since his last win, a fifth-round knockout of Konstantin Airich at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Ustinov has been contacted by the representatives of Deontay Wilder, the WBC heavyweight king, but a clash didn’t materialise.

And he will now get back into the swing of things on a bill which features a further 10 fights, including the return of Haroon Khan.

Khan (5-0, 1 KO) hasn’t fought since June 2014 and is set to box over four rounds.

Meanwhile, Jack Flatley, Danny Wright, Dale Coyne and Adam Machaj will get the chance to showcase their skills on the bill alongside Arthif Daniel and the return of Andy Kremner after 18 months out. Jack Cullen, Shakeeb Ali and Mike Stafford complete the card.

Tickets for the card billed ‘Time To Shine’, which are priced at £40 and £60, can be purchased from all fighters on the bill or by phone on (+44) 01942 874241.

http://www.BS.com/alexander-us ... VfQZo.dpuf

[candyslim]

I know the bloke hasn't fought since 2015 but I hope they are going to find a suitable opponent for him or WTF is the point? Ustinov isn't getting any younger. Dave Allen or Nathan Gorman would be a meaningful opponent for him in my view, a good step up for Gorman and a real statement of intent. For Allen another quality name on his record and another chance to put such a name in the win column.

[Mexi-Box]

What's the end plan for Ustinov? Guy was close to fighting Fury, but Fury didn't want to take that big risk on short notice. Too bad Ustinov/Ortiz never happened either. Ustinov should fight someone like Teper, Hammer, or Wach ASAP. Get back into the mix straight away.

[claudevsq]

On June 3, Briggs will fight Oquendo for the vacant WBA regular heavyweight title, and Ustinov has been named mandatory challenger to the winner... Just like Luis Ortiz is Joshua's WBA mandatory for the Super title, and Pulev for the IBF title. But that's why Ustinov takes a tune-up, because he'll fight the Briggs-Oquendo winner in, let's say, max. 10 months from now...

[candyslim]

I can hardly wait.

Actually I'll certainly watch it because it should be an interesting fight especially if it's with Briggs. My scorn wouldn't be in evidence if was just a non-title fight but this two-tier WBA thing is just a farce in my opinion.

[bigman1968]

On June 3, Briggs will fight Oquendo for the vacant WBA regular heavyweight title, and Ustinov has been named mandatory challenger to the winner... Just like Luis Ortiz is Joshua's WBA mandatory for the Super title, and Pulev for the IBF title. But that's why Ustinov takes a tune-up, because he'll fight the Briggs-Oquendo winner in, let's say, max. 10 months from now...

"WBA regular heavyweight title" should be renamed to "Senior Citizen HW Title"...not younger than 40yo

[crusader]

Briggs vs Oquendo, with the winner to face the relatively young 40-year-old Alexander Ustinov

Glory days for the WBA regular title!