Former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev returns to Moscow for the first defense of his heavyweight belt
Murat Gassiev will defend his WBA heavyweight title against Tony Yoka on July 11 in Moscow, matching a former unified cruiserweight champion against an Olympic gold medalist still trying to rebuild his heavyweight career. The fight headlines IBA PRO 19 at the VTB Arena.
The fight headlines IBA PRO 19 at the VTB Arena and gives Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) his first appearance since knocking out Kubrat Pulev in six rounds to capture the WBA title earlier this year. The 32-year-old became the first Russian heavyweight world champion in more than a decade with that victory and now returns home for his first title defense.
Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) enters the fight after rebuilding his career under trainer Don Charles following a rough stretch that included three losses in four fights. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist from France has stayed active over the last two years while trying to work his way back into the heavyweight picture.
“Tony Yoka is an Olympic champion. He is a big, strong, experienced boxer with a solid amateur background,” said Gassiev.
“He is an Olympic champion, and this definitely won’t be an easy fight. That said, I believe I have a greater desire to retain my title and to beat him. That is the most important thing, what you bring into the ring.
“Every time I step into the ring, I come with the desire to win and do everything possible to get that victory. I would like to thank both my team and the IBA President, Umar Kremlev, for this opportunity. On July 11, the people of Moscow will see the best version of Murat Gassiev, and I promise them fireworks.”
Yoka said the fight represents the biggest opportunity of his professional career and a chance to become the first French heavyweight champion in boxing history.
“I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo that have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion,” said Yoka.
“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 Queensberry, for getting me this opportunity, which I will make the most of.”
The July 11 card in Moscow is expected to feature several additional title fights and heavyweight contenders, but Gassiev-Yoka gives the event a matchup between two fighters who were once viewed as future leaders of the division during different stages of their careers.