Murat Gassiev has publicly stated that whoever emerges victorious from the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua clash should be obligated to face him in a mandatory defense for the WBA "super" heavyweight crown. The Russian fighter, who currently holds the WBA "regular" title, had assumed that he would be automatically elevated to the status of "super" or full world champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his belt.
However, recent developments indicate that the WBA plans to designate the December 11 bout between Fury and Joshua as a contest for the "super" championship, effectively relegating Gassiev to the position of a secondary titleholder. The decision left Gassiev bewildered, and he described the situation as "interesting" and "a little bit strange" when speaking to Sky Sports. He explained, "When Usyk gave up his belt, I woke up thinking I was a super champion. Then I went to sleep, and when I woke up again I was back to being a regular champion.
It’s fine. I’m not angry. I understand the rules; I’m not a child, I get it." Despite his acceptance of the administrative shuffle, Gassiev insists that the governing body must now install him as the mandatory challenger for the fighter who claims the title.
He framed his demand as a straightforward proposition: "I have a big gift for AJ and Tyson before the new year – a fight. One condition: whoever wins, I need to fight that man for sure." He added, "It’s a logical option, and I’m happy with it if it happens.
I’m ready and eager." When pressed about which opponent he prefers, Gassiev expressed confidence that Fury would likely be the victor. "Fury is my favourite fighter," he said, praising the British boxer’s style and overall approach. "I admire how he does everything.
I think Tyson will win by decision, or Anthony could win by knockout." Gassiev also clarified his personal feelings toward both combatants, emphasizing that his respect is limited to the professional arena. "I love him outside the ring, but inside the ring I don’t love anybody. It’s sport, nothing personal. When the fight ends I’ll shake hands, hug, and we can be friends." The last time Gassiev stepped into the ring was in June, when he stopped Peter Kadiru.
Since then, he has not been given a date for his next bout. He told reporters that his current focus is solely on training, noting, "I have people speaking with the WBA, and right now my only concentration is my preparation. 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." Gassiev’s call for a mandatory challenge reflects a broader tension within the heavyweight division, where the WBA’s multiple‑belt system often creates confusion about who the true champion is. The organization’s decision to keep the Fury‑Joshua fight under the "super" banner while maintaining Gassiev’s "regular" status has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Critics argue that the split‑title format dilutes the prestige of the championship, while supporters claim it offers more opportunities for top contenders. In Gassiev’s view, the logical next step is for the winner of the December 11 showdown to honor the mandatory challenger clause and schedule a fight with him.
He believes such a matchup would not only settle the question of who is the rightful heavyweight champion but also provide a compelling narrative for the sport. "It would be a great fight, a real test for the new champion, and I’m ready to step up," he said.
The Russian heavyweight’s confidence is rooted in his own resume. Gassiev captured the WBA (regular) title in 2022 and has since defended it successfully, demonstrating both power and technical skill. His recent stoppage of Kadiru showcased his ability to finish fights decisively, a quality he believes will serve him well against either Fury or Joshua. Looking ahead, Gassiev remains patient but vigilant.
He emphasized that he is not involved in the promotional or managerial side of the sport, which allows him to focus entirely on his training regimen. "I’m just a fighter. I train, I fight, and I wait for the next opportunity.
The rest is up to the sanctioning bodies and the promoters," he concluded. Should the WBA honor Gassiev’s request, the heavyweight landscape could shift dramatically.
A victory over the new champion would instantly elevate Gassiev back to the top of the division, potentially unifying the WBA titles and restoring clarity to the championship hierarchy. Until then, the boxing world will watch closely as the Fury‑Joshua bout approaches, aware that the outcome may set the stage for another high‑stakes confrontation with Murat Gassiev.