Re: Murat Gassiev vs. Peter Kadiru | DAZN - July 11, 2026
Posted: 14 Jul 2026, 04:05
Despite faceoff, Murat Gassiev prefers title unification to Derek Chisora showdown
Though WBA heavyweight belt holder Murat Gassiev and longtime UK-based heavyweight contender Derek Chisora went face-to-face in the ring after Gassiev's successful defense against Peter Kadiru in Moscow on Saturday, representatives for Team Gassiev made it clear to Phil Jay of World Boxing News that title unification is their priority.
The charismatic Chisora, 36-14 (23 KOs), climbed through the ropes to face off with Gassiev, 34-2 (27 KOs), after the Russian's sixth-round stoppage of Peter Kadiru over the weekend, raising speculation Chisora may be next in line for a shot at the belt.
According to Jay and, Gassiev’s promoter, Al Siesta, the Russian former unified cruiserweight champ turned WBA heavyweight boss has loftier plans.
“Murat Gassiev is ready. He is injury free, he has settled into the division, and he wants the biggest fights out there,” Siesta reportedly said.
“Whether it is Dubois, Kabayel or maybe the Golden Boy himself, Moses Itauma – who I think lost his pen when he was ordered to face Murat – we are ready.”
A longtime fan favorite, Chisora was last seen losing by clear decision to Deontay Wilder in April and announcing his retirement.
Though WBA heavyweight belt holder Murat Gassiev and longtime UK-based heavyweight contender Derek Chisora went face-to-face in the ring after Gassiev's successful defense against Peter Kadiru in Moscow on Saturday, representatives for Team Gassiev made it clear to Phil Jay of World Boxing News that title unification is their priority.
The charismatic Chisora, 36-14 (23 KOs), climbed through the ropes to face off with Gassiev, 34-2 (27 KOs), after the Russian's sixth-round stoppage of Peter Kadiru over the weekend, raising speculation Chisora may be next in line for a shot at the belt.
According to Jay and, Gassiev’s promoter, Al Siesta, the Russian former unified cruiserweight champ turned WBA heavyweight boss has loftier plans.
“Murat Gassiev is ready. He is injury free, he has settled into the division, and he wants the biggest fights out there,” Siesta reportedly said.
“Whether it is Dubois, Kabayel or maybe the Golden Boy himself, Moses Itauma – who I think lost his pen when he was ordered to face Murat – we are ready.”
A longtime fan favorite, Chisora was last seen losing by clear decision to Deontay Wilder in April and announcing his retirement.