By Shaun Brown

Boxing Scene understands that Tyson Fury’s replacement opponent for his bout on Saturday night in Manchester may very well be Alexander Ustinov 29-1 (21 KOs). Fury 22-0 (16 KOs) had been due to face Dereck Chisora in a rematch from their original bout three years ago but ‘Del Boy’ withdrew from the fight yesterday after suffering a fractured left hand in sparring.

Ustinov, 37, was last out in November of last year when out pointing the once feared David Tua over 12 rounds in New Zealand. Prior to that, the 37 year old’s only professional loss came at the hands of Kubrat Pulev in 2012 after being stopped in the 11th round by the Bulgarian who will challenge undisputed heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko on Sep 6 in Hamburg.

The seven-foot giant had been helping Chisora in camp as a sparring partner. Ironically, Chisora fractured his hand last Friday while sparring with Ustinov.

At time of this writing, Boxing Scene understands that a deal is close to being struck with the contracts awaiting the signatures of both fighters.

Shaun Brown is the UK Editor at Boxing Scene and a contributor to Boxing Monthly. He can be contacted at sbrownboxing@gmail.com with any news, views or stories you may have.