Murat Gassiev has publicly urged the victor of the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua clash to grant him a mandatory title defense if the bout is to decide the WBA "super" heavyweight championship. Gassiev, who currently holds the WBA "regular" belt, assumed he would be automatically elevated to the status of "super" champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title earlier this year. However, recent communications from the sanctioning body indicate that the organization plans to designate the December 11 showdown between Fury and Joshua as a contest for the "super" belt, effectively leaving Gassiev with a secondary championship. The Russian fighter expressed bewilderment at the decision, describing the situation as "interesting" and "a little bit strange" during an interview with Sky Sports.
"When Usyk gave up his belt, I woke up thinking I was the super champion. Then I went to sleep, and when I woke up again I was back to being a regular champion. It’s odd, but I’m not angry.
I understand the politics – I’m not a kid, I get it," he said. Despite the confusion, Gassiev made it clear that he believes the WBA should now rank him as the mandatory challenger for whoever emerges victorious from the Fury‑Joshua encounter. "I want to give both Tyson and AJ a big New Year’s present – a fight with me.
After the fight, whoever wins, I need to face that guy. It’s a simple request," Gassiev declared. He added that he would be content with either outcome, noting, "If the situation unfolds as you described, I’m happy and ready to step into the ring. I’m prepared for whatever comes next." While he refrained from picking a definitive winner, Gassiev did voice a personal preference for Fury.
"Fury is my favourite fighter. I admire his style, the way he moves, the way he executes his game plan.
I think Tyson could win by decision, or Anthony could secure a knockout," he speculated. Gassiev also emphasized the professional nature of his approach, separating personal feelings from the competitive arena. "I respect both men outside the ring, but inside the ring it’s just sport. There’s nothing personal about it.
When the fight ends I’ll shake hands, hug, and we can be friends. That’s how it works," he explained. The last time Gassiev stepped into the ring was in June, when he stopped Peter Kadiru with a stoppage victory. Since then, no opponent or date has been confirmed for his next bout.
"I’m currently focused solely on training. My team is in talks with the WBA, and right now my attention is entirely on preparation," he said. He reiterated his role as a pure athlete rather than a promoter or manager.
"I’m a fighter, not a manager or a promoter. I just want to fight and do my job. I’m waiting to see what the next move is," Gassiev concluded.
The broader context of this dispute highlights the often‑complex hierarchy within the WBA, which maintains multiple champion designations – "regular," "interim," and "super" – for the same weight class. Critics argue that this structure can create confusion for fans and dilute the prestige of a world title. In Gassiev’s case, the shift from regular to super champion status was expected to be automatic once Usyk vacated, but the governing body’s decision to keep the super belt vacant until the Fury‑Joshua fight has left him in a limbo position.
From a strategic standpoint, Gassiev’s demand for a mandatory challenge is not unusual. The WBA’s rules typically grant the holder of a regular title a pathway to become the mandatory challenger for the super champion, especially when the super title is vacant. By positioning himself as the next in line, Gassiev aims to secure a high‑profile fight that could elevate his career and bring greater recognition to his regular‑championship status.
If Fury emerges as the winner, Gassiev’s admiration for the British boxer could add an interesting narrative to a potential showdown, pitting the Russian’s power and resilience against Fury’s size, speed, and unorthodox tactics. Conversely, a Joshua victory would set up a clash between two fighters who have both held heavyweight titles and possess contrasting styles – Joshua’s disciplined, textbook boxing versus Gassiev’s aggressive, forward‑pressing approach. Regardless of the outcome, the situation underscores the fluid nature of heavyweight boxing titles and the importance of clear communication from sanctioning bodies. For fans, the prospect of a Gassiev‑Fury or Gassiev‑Joshua bout adds another layer of intrigue to an already exciting heavyweight landscape, promising a fight that could shape the division’s hierarchy for years to come.