Murat Gassiev has publicly demanded that the victor of the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua showdown be obligated to face him in a mandatory defense if the bout is to be contested for the WBA “super” heavyweight championship. Gassiev, who currently holds the WBA “regular” version of the title, had assumed that he would be automatically elevated to the status of “super” or full world champion once Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt. However, recent developments reveal that the WBA intends to designate the December 11 clash between Fury and Joshua as a contest for the “super” title, effectively relegating Gassiev to the position of secondary belt‑holder. The Russian fighter expressed bewilderment at the organization’s decision, describing the situation as “interesting” and “a little bit strange.” In an interview with Sky Sports he said, “When Usyk gave up his belt, I woke up as a super champion.
I go to sleep, I wake up again as a regular champion. It’s odd, but I’m not angry. I understand the rules; I’m not a kid, I get it.” Despite his apparent resignation to the administrative shuffle, Gassiev made it clear that he expects the WBA to install him as the mandatory challenger for whoever emerges victorious from the Fury‑Joshua encounter. He added a personal touch to his challenge, noting, “I have a big gift for AJ and Tyson before the new year – a gift from me.
The only condition is simple: whoever wins, after the fight I must fight that guy for sure.” He continued, “I think that’s a fair option and I’m happy with it. If this scenario unfolds, I’m ready and eager.” When asked which fighter he believes will prevail, Gassiev tipped his hat to Fury, calling him his “favourite fighter.” He praised Fury’s style, saying, “I like how he does everything.
I think Tyson will win by decision, or Anthony could win by knockout.” Gassiev was careful to separate his personal admiration from his professional ambitions. “I love him outside the ring, but inside the ring I don’t love anybody. It’s sport, nothing personal.
When the fight is over I’ll shake hands, hug, and we can be friends,” he explained. Gassiev’s most recent bout took place in June, when he stopped Peter Kadiru, and he has not yet confirmed a date for his next fight. He emphasized that his focus is currently on training, stating, “I’m only training right now.
I have people who are talking to the WBA, and at the moment all my attention is on preparation.” He also clarified his role in the sport, noting, “I’m a fighter, not a manager or promoter. I just want to fight and do my job. I’m waiting to see what happens next.” The broader context of this dispute highlights the complexities of the WBA’s championship hierarchy, which includes multiple tiers of titles—regular, super, and interim—often leading to confusion among fans and fighters alike.
When Usyk vacated his super heavyweight crown to pursue other opportunities, many expected the regular champion to be promoted automatically. Instead, the governing body chose to keep the super title vacant for the high‑profile Fury‑Joshua matchup, leaving Gassiev in a limbo that he finds “strange” but not unacceptable.
Gassiev’s call for a mandatory shot is rooted in the traditional boxing principle that champions must defend their titles against the top‑ranked contenders. By positioning himself as the next in line, he seeks to preserve the integrity of the title lineage and ensure that the winner of the December 11 fight cannot avoid facing a legitimate challenger. His willingness to accept either a decision win by Fury or a knockout victory by Joshua demonstrates his confidence and readiness to take on the world’s best heavyweight. In addition to his competitive aspirations, Gassiev’s comments reflect a broader respect for the sport’s etiquette.
He stressed that once the bell rings and the bout concludes, personal feelings are set aside in favor of mutual respect. “When the fight finishes I shake hands, hug and I can be friends with this guy,” he said, underscoring the sportsmanship that underpins boxing’s culture. As the December 11 showdown approaches, the boxing community will be watching not only the fight itself but also the subsequent negotiations that will determine the next challenger. Gassiev’s assertive stance may compel the WBA to formalize a mandatory defense clause, potentially setting up a high‑stakes encounter between the new super champion and the Russian regular titleholder.
Whether that bout materializes will depend on contractual agreements, promotional interests, and the willingness of the victorious fighter to honor the mandatory challenger clause. For now, Gassiev remains in the gym, honing his skills and awaiting the outcome of one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes in recent memory. His message to the boxing world is clear: he is prepared, he is patient, and he expects to be given the opportunity to fight for the top prize as soon as the dust settles from the Fury‑Joshua battle.