Hughie Fury vs. Alexander Ustinov in negotiations for March 26th

Hughie Fury's "world-ranked" opponent for his March 26th bout may wind up being Alexander Ustinov, as Peter Fury has sent out contracts following Andrey Fedosov's refusal of the call.

As you know Fedisov asked for a price & was agreed. He's ranked 7 WBA IBF. They declined.

— peter fury. (@peterfury) February 20, 2016

We now offered Ustinov ranked no 5 WBA WBO. & contracts gone out. Frank warren trying to make this happen" awaiting news from Frank.

— peter fury. (@peterfury) February 20, 2016

We not looking at world titles for Hughie. But good learning fights we not afraid of him mixing in the top ten. Ranking don't matter

— peter fury. (@peterfury) February 20, 2016

Ustinov (33-1, 24 KO) must face Luis Ortiz for the interim WBA heavyweight title later this year, but is permitted to take a fight in the meantime as Ortiz has. Unlike Ortiz's upcoming fight with Tony Thompson, however, this would be a considerable risk. Ustinov's skills basically begin and end with his size; he was soundly drubbed in his lone step up against Kubrat Pulev in 2012 and has yet to beat an even remotely top-tier heavyweight.

Fury (18-0, 10 KO) is significantly younger and not too far behind Ustinov in the height department in addition to being the overall better boxer. Though it's something of a step up for him, it's a fight he should win comfortably.

The fight, should it happen, will serve as the co-feature for Nick Blackwell's BBBofC title defense against Chris Eubank, Jr. at Wembley.