Murat Gassiev secures opponent for July 11 heavyweight world title defence
Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs, 1 NC) has secured a new opponent for his July 11 WBA heavyweight world title defence.
The Russian will now take on Peter Kadiru (23-1, 13 KOs) after Tony Yoka was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury. Gassiev-Kadiru headlines an IBA Pro card at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. A broadcaster has yet to be announced for the fight card. However, Dan Rafael reports that DAZN has picked up the event and will formally announce that on Tuesday.
Recent developments have changed the stakes for Gassiev-Kadiru. Gassiev had won a secondary version of the WBA heavyweight world title in December last year against Kubrat Pulev. Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate all of his titles left the Russian as the sole WBA heavyweight titlist.
Murat Gassiev and Peter Kadiru speak of upcoming clash
“I was fully prepared and ready for Tony Yoka, but boxing is unpredictable and champions must adapt,” said Gassiev in a press release statement. “Peter Kadiru is a big, strong, experienced fighter with a solid amateur pedigree and real power. Fighting at home in Moscow in front of my Russian fans for my first defence is special. I will be ready on July 11 and I intend to keep the WBA world heavyweight title in Russia.”
“Since my win over Senad Gashi, I’ve been in the gym training and wanting to be back in the ring,” said Kadiru in the same press release. “I’m excited for the opportunity to travel to Russia and challenge for the WBA heavyweight world title on July 11. This is my moment. My team and I are locked in and Moscow should get ready for a big performance.”
Be sure to check in with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Gassiev vs. Kadiru, including results, video highlights, and post-fight analysis.
Featured Image Credit
IBA Pro press release
S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.