Following Oleksandr Usyk’s stunning decision to vacate his world titles, the WBA promoted Murat Gassiev from Regular champion to full WBA heavyweight world champion. The Russian made his first defense of the title yesterday evening on home soil at Moscow’s VTB Arena, headlining the IBA PRO 19 event. After six rounds, Gassiev (34-2) defeated Peter Kadiru (23-2) by technical knockout.
The original plan had called for Gassiev to face Tony Yoka, but the Frenchman withdrew because of a back injury. As a result, Gassiev found himself facing a replacement opponent who was clearly outmatched, retaining his title with what was almost a routine performance against the German challenger.
Fight Report
The opening round was largely a feeling-out process, although neither man was reluctant to throw a few punches. Both boxers paid close attention to their opponent’s movements, with neither willing to take unnecessary risks.
In the second round, Gassiev began trying to intimidate his opponent with a steady diet of hooks to the head and uppercuts to the body. Constantly varying his rhythm, the champion looked to break Kadiru down, while the German, despite appearing somewhat stiff, managed to answer with isolated shots as he waited for Gassiev to come forward.
From the third round onward, Gassiev grew increasingly confident. He steadily increased the pace, edging forward behind small steps until he found the short range he wanted, forcing Kadiru onto the ropes.
As always, the champion’s body uppercuts were a pleasure to watch, but Kadiru refused to surrender. Showing plenty of heart, the challenger even attempted to come forward himself, firing straight punches and the occasional right hook.
Gassiev, however, was visibly quicker and continued peppering his opponent with hook-uppercut combinations, often doubling them up. Even so, Kadiru remained willing to stand his ground and trade.
In the sixth round, Gassiev raised the tempo once again, backing his opponent into the corner and landing heavy punches with both hands. The German appeared to be in serious trouble, prompting his corner to throw in the towel and withdraw him from the fight.
Gassiev therefore successfully completed the first defense of his WBA heavyweight world title. The evening also featured a brief face-off in the ring with Dereck Chisora, who was in attendance, although it remains to be seen who the Russian’s next opponent will be now that the heavyweight division has been shaken up by Usyk’s decision to vacate his titles.
The champion has spoken of pursuing a unification bout, but every top heavyweight is eager for a major opportunity right now. Time will tell what surprises await a division that has suddenly been left without its undisputed king.