Ustinov's Promoter Confident of Beating Golden Boy For Ortiz Bout

By Igor Lazorin, tass

Vladimir Hryunov, manager and co-promoter of Russian heavyweight giant Alexander Ustinov, says a mandatory fight with Luis Ortiz will take place at the end of June.

Ortiz's interim version of the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight championship will be at stake.

Ortiz was in action last month when he easily knocked out Tony Thompson. Ustinov was in the ring back in December and knocked out Konstantin Airich in December.

Hryunov says he is done with the verbal negotiations with Golden Boy Promotions, who promote Ortiz. He is now looking to outbid them to secure the promotional rights to the fight.

He is going to stage this fight in the United States and hints that it might happen in connection with manager/adviser Al Haymon, who has numerous television deals for his Premier Boxing Champions series.

"The negotiations are complete. We expect to win the bids. I plan to be the promoter of this fight. It has to take place before the end of June. With regard to a license to make the fight in the United States,  I have one. Last year in Cincinnati, I had some conversations with Al Haymon,"  Hryunov said.

Ortiz has an undefeated record of 25 wins (22 by KO) and no losses. Ustinov has a record of 33 wins (24 by KO) and one defeat.

Ustinov-Ortiz is part of the WBA's tournament to establish a single world champion at the weight. Tyson Fury is the super champion and Lucas Browne is the regular champion.