Confirmed for September 29 in Hamburg. I have no idea what Ustinov's chin is like, so I predict Pulev by wide UD or late stoppage.
So whats happening with Solis will he fight Adamek or is Adameks fight against Walker part of the tournament and Solis is out of it? (this would be BS)
Semi finals: Adamek v Walker / Pulev v Ustinov Winners face each other and winner of that fights Wlad/anyone who beats him over the next few months by some miracle.
Looks a damn good fight. The winner of that alone would be deserving of a mandatory shot at the champ. Ustinov has yet to even be stunned yet and always carries that raw, blunt like power so he'll be in with a chance here. Ustinov has the tools to upset someone so why not Pulev who's biggest weakness for me is probably his footwork which should suit Ustinov. I'm probably leaning 70/30 in Pulev's favour having said that all the same.
Solis is having some issues with D. King http://www.ringpolska.pl/boks-na-swiecie/waga-ciezka-boks/20453-solisa-czeka-kolejna-dluzsza-przerwa "Solis was supposed to have signed with a new promoter while still being under contract with Don King. The legendary promoter wants to sue the Cuban, who will probably not be fighting any time soon"
Solis is pretty much the only contender left for Wlad to fight, but rumor has it Wlad's people are talking to Wach. I think the winner of Pulev/Ustinov will fight Wlad in 2013....not sure a final eliminator will happen.
It almost all but makes it a certainty Wach will be his next opponent. To bad Hellinius is coming off the injury, I would have much rather see that fight. Even if he should have lost to Chisora. I believe the fight would have played out completely differently had Hellenius not hurt his shoulder, same goes for Vitali vs. Chisora.
Iv watched Ustinov since his k1 kickboxing days in the early 2000's. Guys chin is ****ing iron. Pulev won't hurt him but he'll outbox him i expect