Murat Gassiev has called for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua victor to make a mandatory defence against him if they are going to box for the WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title. Gassiev, the WBA 'regular' titlist, believed he would be upgraded to 'super' or full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. It has subsequently emerged that the WBA intend to make the Fury vs Joshua fight on December 11 for the 'super' title, essentially making Gassiev a secondary belt-holder.
That decision baffled the Russian. "This situation is interesting, a little bit strange, with the belt," Gassiev told Sky Sports. "When Usyk left his belt, I wake up I'm super champion.
Go to sleep, wake up, I'm again regular champion. I'm not a kid, I understand everything." But he does believe the WBA must then install him as the mandatory challenger for the winner. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "From me a big present for AJ and Tyson before new year.
Who wins - after the fight I need to fight with this guy for sure," he declared. "I think it's a good option and I'm happy for this if this situation happens. I'm happy and I'm ready." He thinks that winner will be Fury.
"Fury is my favourite fighter," Gassiev said. I think Tyson wins by decision, or AJ by knockout." He added: "I love him outside the ring, but inside the ring I don't love anybody. This is only sport for me.
When the fight finishes I shake hands, hug and I can be friends with this guy." Gassiev last boxed in June when he stopped Peter Kadiru and has no date confirmed for his next fight. "I'm only training right now. I have people who speak with WBA and right now all my focus is only for training," he said.
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