Murat Gassiev is set to defend his WBA regular world title in Moscow as he takes on Tony Yoka.
Yoka and Gassiev will headline IBA Pro’s 19th event. The Russian made a real statement last time out against the seasoned Kubrat Pulev.
Pulev vs Gassiev headlined in Dubai, UAE and was promoted alongside the IBA’s record-breaking amateur tournament, which featured a historic prize pool for its competitors.
Gassiev stopped Pulev in the sixth round of their fight, despite Pulev being ahead on the cards prior to the stoppage.
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He is widely regarded as one of the most devastating punchers in the heavyweight division, as he showed last time out.
Gassiev spoke to IBA and gave his thoughts on his upcoming fight.
“It is an honour to defend the WBA World Heavyweight Title for the first time, and to do it at home in front of my Russian fans makes it extra special.
“Tony Yoka is a tremendous champion, an Olympic gold medallist, a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him.
“I would like to thank both my team and President Kremlev for this opportunity. On July 11, I will do my absolute best to win and keep the belt in Russia.”
The 2016 Olympic gold medallist comes into the contest after a long camp. He was originally preparing to face WBC number one-ranked contender Lawrence Okolie, who returned an adverse finding in a fight-week drug test, resulting in the contest being called off just days before.
He also spoke to the International Boxing Association.
“I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo who have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion.
“I’ve been working hard for over two years now with Don Charles and I’m ready to showcase to the boxing world the changes in my professional boxing.
“I want to thank Don and my team for backing me 100% through this period, as well as Frank and George Warren at the best promoters in the world, Queensberry, for getting me this opportunity, which I will make the most of.”
With Yoka signed to Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, both Queensberry and IBA will work together on the Moscow card scheduled for July 11, and Warren conveyed his excitement for the event.
“This is a great fight and one that we at Queensberry truly believe our man will win.
“Tony and Don Charles have been working extremely hard in the gym, so we fully expect them to go to Russia and do the business against a tough opponent in Gassiev and bring the title back to France.”
IBA promoter, Al Siesta, discussed the threat Yoka poses to the current champion.
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“Murat Gassiev is the WBA World Heavyweight Champion and after he claimed the title in Dubai, we promised that he would be in exciting fights in 2026. “Gassiev vs Yoka is a very exciting fight.
Tony is an Olympic gold medallist, a giant of a man and a French sporting hero. He is coming to Moscow to take Murat’s belt, but Gassiev is ready.
“This is an excellent heavyweight title fight and we are honoured to deliver it on home soil for Murat.
“To the boxing world: get your tickets and get ready, because July 11 in Moscow is going to be unforgettable.”
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