Murat Gassiev vs. Peter Kadiru press conference quotes and fight prediction

Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs, 1 NC) will soon put his WBA heavyweight world title on the line against Peter Kadiru (23-1, 13 KOs).

Their bout headlines an IBA Pro card at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. Tony Yoka was the original opponent for Saturday, but had to withdraw due to a back injury.

Both Gassiev and Kadiru spoke at a press conference ahead of their July 11 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.

Murat Gassiev vs. Peter Kadiru press conference quotes

Murat Gassiev

“Well, this is professional boxing,” said Gassiev through an interpreter. “Injuries do happen and they never leave us and this is part of our job and part of our life that we have to accept. This is not my first year in boxing and I also had my share of injuries and because of that my fights were also postponed. So I was okay with that…I would like again to thank Peter for agreeing to go into fight with me. Thank you to his camp as well.”

“All my focus is on July 11 first. I actually never looked ahead behind the backs of my contenders and also I would recommend to all my colleagues here in the hall [not] to look too much ahead because one fight might change everything. Then we can probably discuss more after July 11.”

Peter Kadiru

“First of all, I just want to say thank you to the International Boxing Association,” said Kadiru in English. “I want to thank the team of Murat Gassiev that I get this opportunity. It was very short notice. I am very happy to be here. I am very happy to get this opportunity. It was my dream since I was a little kid to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world and now I can make this dream true. Possible. I just want to say thank you.”

“I think it was more mentally tame because you come very short notice,” said Kadiru regarding whether the physical preparation for the fight or staying mentally composed was tougher. “We didn’t have a proper camp like for a fight like that. But I think it was more like a mental thing because we had to do the visas, the passports, and everything. So it took a little bit time…I came just this morning, like one in the morning I came. So that was a little bit [challenging].”

Fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Gassiev has always carried big power throughout his career and showed this power still remains, last time out against Kubrat Pulev. A former unified cruiserweight champion and now a world heavyweight champion. His body punching remains one of his best assets, as does his disciplined defence.

Kadiru is patient with his work and picks his shots impressively. When he uses his lead hand to control the distance in fights, he looks dominating. Gassiev, despite not being in his prime, should have too much for Kadiru, winning a competitive unanimous decision.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of IBA Boxing.

Featured Image Credit

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