adminTYSON Fury’s fight with Alexander Ustinov is off after the heavyweight’s trainer and uncle Hughie Fury fell seriously ill.
Ustinov stepped in following Dereck Chisora’s late withdrawal with a broken hand and was due to take on Fury in Manchester tonight.
But Fury’s uncle Hughie has been admitted to hospital and Peter Fury, another of the fighter’s uncles and coaches, took the decision to withdraw his nephew.
Promoter Frank Warren said: “I’m very, very, disappointed for the fans. After Dereck Chisora pulled out because of his hand injury, we worked very hard to secure a world ranked opponent in Ustinov.
“It’s sad that his uncle Hughie is in a serious condition and our thoughts are with him.
“The show will still go ahead and as before it’s a great card with Billy Joe Saunders, Liam Smith, Terry Flanagan and Jack Catterall and Nathan Brough all in title action.”
Warren also said he expects to announce a new date for Fury’s rematch with Chisora in the coming week despite Fury’s insistence he will not now give the Londoner another fight.
Speaking at Friday’s weigh-in for the Ustinov fight, Fury said: “Chisora had his opportunity and fluffed it up for whatever reason.
“Now I want Bermane Stiverne, the WBC champion, because at least I know he will fight. I am not going to keep giving someone opportunities when I know they are not going to take them.” — Online
Online Reporter