Heavyweight Division

[NakiFan]

I was hoping that pic of Stu would get him in here for an update on progress.... :-)

[diehard]

Stu said he leaves it to Duco to make the media announcement. Won't let the cat out of the bag. As far as an update, says he's in the process of negotiating with someone as we speak, or type.

[diehard]

Outspoken world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury asked to tone down his comments

ALEX MORTON/REUTERS

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is never shy to make his point but has been asked to be more guarded with some of his comments.

Outspoken world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been asked not to make "controversial non-boxing comments".

The plea came from the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) after they met with Fury to discuss comments he made before and after his victory over Wladimir Klitschko to win the belts in November.

Fury sparked outrage when he equated homosexuality and abortion with paedophilia and also made disparaging remarks about women. He repeatedly denied he was a homophobe and subsequently apologised to to women and gay people

The BBBC decided to take no formal action against the 27-year-old under the guise of "free speech and basic human rights".

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But they have asked him to tone things down with his non-fight talk.

In a statement, Robert Smith, the BBBC's general secretary, said: "The stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control have interviewed Tyson Fury on Tuesday, 26th January 2016 following recent comments made in the media.

"Tyson Fury has made comments in the media that have caused offence to members of our society. However, there is no suggestion that he has broken the law by exercising his right to freedom of expression. In such circumstances, the stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control have been advised that it cannot interfere with his basic human rights.

"Having said that, the stewards of the board have made it clear to him that as world heavyweight champion, arguably the holder of the most prestigious title in sport, there are heavy responsibilities upon him to avoid making controversial, non-boxing comments.

"He has assured the stewards that he understands the responsibilities upon him and has expressed regret that he has caused offence to others, which was never his intention."

Fury's comments drew an angry general reaction from the British public.

Almost 140,000 people signed a petition calling for Fury to be removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist before December's event.

He held his place among the finalists but didn't win with the award going to tennis star Andy Murray.

- Stuff

[Kiwi]

Ah, the politically-correct ones win again.

[NakiFan]

Apparently Ustinov isn't fighting Ortiz for the WBA tourn. Word is he is turning it down for an another fight at a later date.

[diehard]

His only ranking is in the WBA, at 7th I think. Big mistake. He can beat Ortiz due to his size. I know he lost to Pulev, but I thought it was a lot closer than the pundits thought before he quit..

[Kiwi]

Could Ustinov be JP's opponent after all?

[diehard]

Interesting thought, Kiwi. KB did say they wanted to fight tall guys. Doesn't get much taller than this. And he's usually available, so if they've had trouble getting an opponent...and I think this is the second opponent they've tried to get to sign a contract.

[Kiwi]

Or alternatively Eric Molina?

There is talk of him fighting a Top 10 guy too

-Kiwi

[james5000]

I read an article on espn that said Ustinov does not want to fight in March but he wasn't turning the Ortiz fight down he wants it at a later date. Seem's like he didn't want the short camp the same reason Fedosov turned Ortiz down.