Boxing: WBA title confusion clouds Anthony Joshua’s plan to face Gassiev next
Confusion surrounding the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title has cast uncertainty over the proposed unification bout between British boxer Anthony Joshua and Russian contender Murat Gassiev.
Gassiev expressed his frustration regarding the WBA’s decision not to elevate him to full championship status following the vacating of the title by Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. The 32-year-old labeled it “strange” that Joshua’s upcoming fight with Tyson Fury is sanctioned for the ‘super’ title, which he views as relegating him to the status of a secondary title holder.
In light of this situation, Gassiev believes he should be named the mandatory challenger for the winner of the Joshua-Fury match.
“This situation is interesting, a little bit strange, with the belt,” Gassiev told Sky Sports. He continued, “When Usyk left his belt, I woke up as a super champion. Go to sleep, wake up, I am again the regular champion. It’s okay. I am not angry. I understand.”
Gassiev reiterated his intentions for the future, stating, “A present from me. Just one thing: whoever wins between Joshua and Fury, I need to fight with this guy for sure.”
