Murat Gassiev Calls Oleksandr Usyk vs Agit Kabayel A ’50-50′ Fight

Former Usyk opponent says Kabayel’s pressure and body attack make the expected heavyweight title fight far closer than many believe

Murat Gassiev believes Oleksandr Usyk’s expected fight with Agit Kabayel is much closer than most observers think. The former cruiserweight champion, who shared the ring with Usyk for the undisputed title in 2018, described the potential heavyweight clash as a ’50-50′ fight.

Gassiev knows Usyk’s abilities firsthand. The Russian faced Usyk for the undisputed cruiserweight championship in Moscow in July 2018, losing a unanimous decision after 12 rounds against the Ukrainian star.

With the WBC having ordered Usyk to face interim champion Kabayel, Gassiev was asked for his thoughts on the potential heavyweight clash.

“Great fight. Great fight. Two different styles. Usyk like more technical move using his legs. Kabayel like pressure body puncher, and two different styles always interesting to watch,” said Gassiev to talkSPORT Boxing.

“Couple months ago, some guy interview with me and asked my choice. My choice like Kabayel, yes. Because younger, more hungry.

“But Usyk, he’s still strong mentality, strong heart, and I don’t know. My answer like 50/50. 50/50 I think right now.”

Earlier in the interview, Gassiev admitted he was surprised by Usyk’s performance against Rico Verhoeven last month, suggesting the unified heavyweight champion may be showing signs of age.

“I very surprised. I know Usyk win but not like this because very, very hard fight for him. Maybe he getting old little bit, but he’s still one of the best fighters in boxing history.”

Kabayel has emerged as one of the division’s leading contenders following victories over Frank Sanchez, Arslanbek Makhmudov, Zhilei Zhang, and Damian Knyba. Usyk, meanwhile, remains in possession of the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles and is expected to make a decision on the Kabayel fight in the coming months.