By Alexey Sukachev
Rumours have been lingering for about a week now regarding a possible heavyweight match-up between two mammoth-like contenders. It has been said in Russian media that Robert Helenius (19-0, 11 KOs), once a rising star and Finland’s prime hope in the sport’s elite division, is considering a comeback in late April against 30-1, 21 KOs, Russia-born Belarus-based somewhere in Finland. No confirmation to this story has been officially received.
6’8’’ Ustinov has come back recently with a win over American journeyman Chauncy Welliver to end a year-long hiatus following his career-saving victory over David Tua. 6’7’’ Helenis was last seen in the ring almost two years ago against Micael Sprott.
The Finnish heavyweight had a breakthrough year in 2011 with wins over former champions Samuel Peter and Sergey Liakhovich but then barely squeaked with a controversial split decision over Dereck Chisora in December 2011. Since then, Helenius has been dealing his multiple injuries and settling his promotional disputes, with the exception of two tune-up fights.
Ustinov was earlier rumored to face Eddie Chambers on Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Dmitry Chudinov collision on Feb. 28, but negotiations were halted over financial difficulties.
“In fact, Tyson Fury [who is fighting within the same card] is afraid of Alexander”, said his flamboyant promoter Vladimir Hryunov to Gazeta.Ru. “Eddie Chambers is contracted by the same team. So, when Fury refused to face Alexander, they replaced him with Eddie. The problem is that money offered weren’t even enough to get us to the airport. It would have been great to arrange Chambers vs. Ustinov as a main event, and that was exactly what I’ve proposed to Frank Warren and his team. This fight is valuable itself, and it should be the main event, not an undercard fight.