MOSCOW, RUSSIA – The eyes of the boxing world will descend on the Russian capital this summer as WBA Heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev makes the first defence of his crown against 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka at IBA Pro 19 on July 11.

Co-promoted by IB Challenger, Epic Sports & Entertainment, Patriot Promotion, Ural Boxing Promotions, Queensberry Promotions, and Yoka Boxing, in association with Winline, IBA Pro 19 promises to deliver one of the most explosive heavyweight match-ups of 2026.

Russian icon Murat Gassiev enters the contest as the reigning WBA Heavyweight champion, having become his nation’s first World heavyweight titleholder in over a decade with his electrifying sixth-round knockout of Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev at IBA Pro 13 in December.

The 32-year-old North Ossetia-native boasts a fearsome record of 33-2 (26 KOs), and is considered by many to be one of the sport’s most devastating punchers – as demonstrated by his highlight reel ‘Knockout of the Year’ of Pulev in-front of a capacity crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Now, the man fittingly nicknamed ‘Iron’ returns home to defend the belt that Russia waited thirteen years to reclaim.

WBA Heavyweight World Champion, Murat Gassiev, said: “It is an honour to defend the WBA World Heavyweight Title for the first time, and to do it at home in front of my Russian fans makes it extra special. Tony Yoka is a tremendous champion, an Olympic gold medallist, a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him. I would like to thank both my team and President Kremlev for this opportunity. On July 11, I will do my absolute best to win and keep the belt in Russia.”

In the opposite corner, Paris puncher Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs) arrives in Moscow with an opportunity to further cement his place in the French boxing history books.

After the 33-year-old famously captured Olympic super-heavyweight gold at Rio 2016, Yoka now sets his sights on becoming his nation’s first ever World Heavyweight champion in the professional ranks. 

Standing at a gargantuan 6 foot 7″ tall, Yoka possesses the size, reach and skill-set to trouble any heavyweight on the planet. Now, just one fight away from realising his ultimate ambition, a world title, the Frenchman is adamant he will leave Moscow as the new force in the blue ribbon heavyweight division.

Olympic Gold Medalist, Tony Yoka, said: “I’m going to win this world title for all my people in France and Congo that have not only stuck with me, but still believe in me becoming a professional world champion. I’ve been working hard for over two years now with Don Charles and I’m ready to showcase to the boxing world the changes in my professional Boxing. I want to thank Don and my team for backing me 100% through this period, as well as Frank and George Warren at the best promoters in the world, Queensberry, for getting me this opportunity which I will make the most of.”

Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), said: “The IBA is incredibly proud to bring an outstanding heavyweight fight of this magnitude to Moscow. Murat Gassiev and Tony Yoka represent the absolute pinnacle of boxing excellence – one an incredible WBA world champion defending his crown at home, the other a legendary Olympic gold medallist fighting for professional glory. This event represents the key value the IBA stands for: providing the opportunity and ultimate platform for the world’s premier talent to compete at the highest level. July 11 will not just be an unforgettable IBA Pro evening for the fans, being  a landmark, historic moment for global boxing.”

Hall of Fame Promoter, Frank Warren said: “This is a great fight and one that we at Queensberry truly believe our man will win. Tony and Don Charles have been working extremely hard in the gym, so we fully expect them to go to Russia and do the business against a tough opponent in Gassiev and bring the title back to France.”

Al Siesta, promoter for IB Challenger said: “Murat Gassiev is the WBA World Heavyweight Champion and after he claimed the title in Dubai, we promised that he would be in exciting fights in 2026. Gassiev vs Yoka is a very exciting fight. Tony is an Olympic gold medalist, a giant of a man and a French sporting hero. He is coming to Moscow to take Murat’s belt, but Gassiev is ready. This is an excellent heavyweight title fight and we are honoured to deliver it on home soil for Murat. To the boxing world: get your tickets and get ready, because July 11 in Moscow is going to be unforgettable.”

IBA Pro 19 is promoted by IB Challenger, Epic Sports & Entertainment, Patriot Promotion, Ural Boxing Promotions, Queensberry, and Yoka Boxing, in association with Winline.

DUBAI, UAE – December 10, 2025 – In a charged atmosphere thick with anticipation, WBA World Heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev and challenger Murat Gassiev came face-to-face for the first time today at the official press conference for BETCITY IBA Pro 13, held at the opulent Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. 

The Bulgarian veteran and the  power-punching Russian knockout artist engaged in a tense stare-down, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most explosive heavyweight bouts of the year on Friday, December 12, live on DAZN.

Umar Kremlev, IBA President, said: “There are so many opportunities for athletes and coaches to compete in the best fights possible. And for the fans, we’re offering better conditions and more competitive match-ups, not just boxing, but the best boxing in the world at IBA. That’s our main goal. Our primary mission is to create a platform where boxers can fulfill their dreams, and where coaches can realize theirs as well — doing what they love while earning a proper living. We aim to increase prize funds for both amateurs and professionals.

“This fight, between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev, is another example of the IBA’s commitment to delivering the biggest events around the world. Both men are tremendous ambassadors for the sport and I am eager to see them compete for the WBA Heavyweight championship.”

Al Siesta, Director General of IBA Pro, said: “This fight is a phenomenal showcase of the highest level of sport – the heavyweight championship of the world. Pulev vs Gassiev is breaking new boundaries by becoming the first heavyweight title bout to be held in the United Arab Emirates and we are so proud of this.

“On December 12, live on DAZN, I am certain that both Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev will deliver a spectacular show befitting the occasion. It is a true 50-50 fight, which is the hallmark of IBA and IBA Pro, and I can’t split the two men. May the best man win!”

Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), the 44-year-old ‘Cobra’ from Sofia, Bulgaria, enters the ring to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown for the first time since capturing it earlier this year via a dominant unanimous decision over Manuel Charr. 

A former IBF interim title challenger, Pulev has recorded three straight victories, showcasing the granite chin and technical savvy that have defined his 20-year professional career. Despite a mandatory defense having been ordered against rising British star Moses Itauma, Pulev’s team secured a special sanction from the WBA to face Gassiev, with the winner obligated to meet Itauma next.

Reigning WBA Heavyweight Champion, Kubrat Pulev, said: “To be a world champion was my dream and the dream of my father. That’s why we started boxing, because my brother, my father, they were in love with boxing. That’s why we love this great sport. 

“I have come a long way, I have more than 300 amateur fights and also a lot of professional fights. I have a lot of experience. Thanks to God, I have the chance to fight for a world title. I’m happy to have this world title in Bulgaria and I’m going to win this fight.”

His opponent, the 32-year-old Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) from Vladikavkaz, Russia, brings devastating power and an unyielding pressure style honed as a former unified cruiserweight champion. With standout victories over Yuniel Dorticos and Denis Lebedev, he now plans his assault on the heavyweight division. A win over Pulev would see ‘Iron’ become Russia’s first heavyweight champion in thirteen years – with no shortage of national pride at stake, Saturday’s bout marks Gassiev’s first step toward heavyweight immortality.

Challenger Murat Gassiev said: “Thank you to Umar Kremlev for this opportunity. This is the heavyweight division – one punch can change any plan, any strategy, any tactic and

you need to be ready 100% at any second. 

“Kubrat Pulev is a heavyweight champion. He has a lot of experience. Many people said that he is old, at 44 years, but it’s only numbers. He has great experience, he is always in good shape – he looks perfect. I’m 100% sure that he is ready for twelve rounds, and I know this is one of the toughest fights of my professional career. We have had a good training camp and we’re ready for everything.”

The press conference, attended by global media and buzzing with energy, highlighted the cultural clash between Pulev’s old-school resilience and Gassiev’s modern menace. The event underscores the growing prominence of IBA Pro Boxing, now a cornerstone of the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) ecosystem, blending elite amateurs and professionals in a “Festival of Boxing” from December 2-13.

DUBAI, UAE, Monday 8th December 2025 – In a huge boxing double-header, fight fans will be able to witness true fifty-fifty fights in a showcase of elite amateur and professional boxing live on DAZN. 

Fans can tune in to Friday’s IBA Pro 13 card, topped by the WBA World Heavyweight title showdown between defending champion Kubrat Pulev and challenger Murat Gassiev, from 2pm GMT on 12th December; followed by Saturday’s IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championship Finals from 1:30pm GMT on 13th December.

With both blockbuster events available live – and at no extra cost to subscribers – as part of the DAZN monthly subscription, the international double-header will deliver unrivalled value to boxing fans around the world.

Umar Kremlev, IBA President, said: “The IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships have been a resounding success, and to have the finals shown live on DAZN is testament to the tireless work and dedication of both the competing athletes and the IBA team. IBA is not just a boxing organisation, it is a family that looks after its own – from the grassroots of the amateurs to the highest levels of the professional code. Our record-breaking prize-pool has attracted the world’s finest international talent to Dubai, and it gives me great pleasure to partner with DAZN and have our spectacular finals showcased around the world.”

Al Siesta, Director General of IBA Pro, said: “I am proud to deliver the historic WBA Heavyweight championship bout between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev to IBA Pro 13. This broadcast partnership with DAZN further solidifies our position as industry leaders – reinforcing our commitment to providing well-matched, competitive bouts to fans around the world, without the need for pay-per-view. Pulev and Gassiev are both ready to put on a show for DAZN’s subscribers, while several of our undercard bouts have the potential to steal the show. Expect fire from Dubai – the IBA Pro way!”

Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), enters the bout on the back of a three-fight win streak, including a dominant decision win to capture the WBA crown against Manuel Charr in December 2024. The 44-year-old veteran combines a stellar amateur pedigree with an established professional ledger, having shared the ring with modern giants Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. Known for his thudding jab, advanced ring IQ and granite chin, Pulev’s technical style and 6’4” frame make him a threat for anyone in the division.

His opponent, Russian power-puncher Murat Gassiev boasts a fearsome 32-2 record with 25 KOs and a knockout rate over 78%. A former unified IBF and WBA World Cruiserweight champion, ‘Iron’ rose to prominence in the inaugural World Boxing Super Series in 2018 with a series of dazzling knockouts, including his demolition of Cuban danger-man Yuniel Dorticos and Polish warhorse Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. 

Since moving to heavyweight in 2019, the 32-year-old has racked up a host of eye-catching stoppage wins; including a fifth-round KO of Kem Ljungquist in 2024 and a recent TKO over American Jeremiah Milton in August. A brutal body-puncher with dynamite in both fists, the 6’3” wrecking ball now has his sights set on becoming the first Russian heavyweight champion since Alexander Povetkin, who held the same WBA title between 2011 and 2013.

Elsewhere on the stacked IBA Pro 13 card, a series of tantalising championship bouts further reinforces promoter Al Siesta’s vision of delivering compelling, fifty-fifty match-ups. Britain’s Maxi Hughes (29-7-2, 6 KOs) faces undefeated Tajik talent Bakhodur Usmonov (11-0, 5 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBA World Lightweight title, while reigning IBO World Welterweight champion Tulani Mbenge (22-2, 16 KOs) defends his title against undefeated Vadim Musaev (13-0, 8 KOs). 

Full details on the undercard are available from www.iba.sport.

The IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships has seen over 400 boxers from 108 nations enter the competition over a two-week tournament, in a bid to claim a share of the record-breaking $8.32 million prize pool. 

The unprecedented prize-pool will be split between athletes, coaches and National Federations in a bid to reward the full ecosystem behind the sport – and further support and incentivise grass roots participation.  Gold medallists in each weight category will receive $300,000, Silver medallists earn $150,000, Bronze medallists taking home $75,000 and fourth and fifth-place finishers securing $10,000. Each prize will be split, with 50% allocated directly to the boxer, 25% to their trainer and 25% to the National Federation.

The tournament features standout amateur boxers including two-time Olympic Gold medallist Hassanboy Dusmatov, two-time Olympic Gold medallist, Julio La Cruz, and Olympic Gold medallist Abdumalik Khalokov – who are all set to reach the televised finals live on DAZN.

IBA Pro 13 and Epic Sports & Entertainment, with support from the Dubai Sports Council alongside the finals of the IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships will broadcast from 12th-13th December live on DAZN.

Dubai, UAE, Wednesday 15 October 2025 – The eyes of the sporting world will be fixed firmly on the luxurious city of Dubai as the IBA and Epic Sports & Entertainment deliver an historic night of boxing, headlined by the WBA Heavyweight World Title clash between Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) and Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) at the stacked IBA Pro 13 card.

Slated for Friday, 12 December 2025, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium will host a defining moment for boxing, as two seasoned titans battle for the WBA Heavyweight Title, a belt immortalised by icons such as Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

Despite reports linking Pulev to a bout with rising star Moses Itauma next, the groundbreaking partnership between IBA and Epic Sports & Entertainment will now see the 20-year old prodigy forced to wait for his opportunity to capture Heavyweight Championship gold – with a bout against the winner of the December 12 showpiece event mooted for the heavyweight wünderkind.

Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of Epic Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the bout between Pulev and Gassiev – and also suggested Itauma could feature on the show’s undercard: 

“The Pulev vs Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed – so [Moses] Itauma will have to wait his turn,” said Gotzev. 

“We have an official WBA resolution authorising Kubrat Pulev’s first title defense to be a voluntary, and in line with that, we’ve locked in a terrific opponent in Murat Gassiev for December 12th in Dubai.

“We understand young Itauma is chomping at the bit, and as a professional courtesy I’ve spoken directly with his promoter, George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, to offer him a slot on the undercard. That would set the perfect stage for him to face the winner of the main event. This keeps everything aligned with the WBA’s directive and ensures fans get a stacked world-class heavyweight spectacle in Dubai.”

Al Siesta, CEO of IBA Pro, spoke of his excitement at the announcement of the championship contest, while also laying down the gauntlet for Itauma to square off against the winner:

“We are absolutely delighted to finally announce this fight: a tremendous bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title,” said Siesta.

“Moses Itauma is an incredible talent and I have nothing but admiration for the work Queensberry Promotions have done with him, but make no mistake, Murat Gassiev is coming to knock Kubrat Pulev out on December 12 – and then Itauma is next. 

“We hope he accepts our offer to fight on the undercard, so he can witness, up close, Murat becoming Russia’s first heavyweight champion since 2013. Then, in 2026, it would be our great pleasure to derail the Itauma hype train… he is still young, so he can come again!”

Kubrat Pulev, the Bulgarian “Cobra,” enters as the reigning WBA Heavyweight Champion, having captured the title with a commanding unanimous decision over Mahmoud Charr in Sofia, Bulgaria, in March 2024. 

Boasting a record of 32-3 and 14 KOs and entering the bout on a three-fight win streak, the 44-year-old veteran combines a stellar amateur pedigree with an established professional ledger, having shared the ring with modern giants Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. Known for his thudding jab, advanced ring IQ and granite chin, Pulev’s technical style and 6’4” frame make him a threat for anyone in the division.

“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title,” said WBA Heavyweight Champion Kubrat Pulev. 

“I respect Murat Gassiev – he is a powerful and dangerous opponent – but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight. I’m grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this happen and can’t wait to step back into the ring.”

Russian power-puncher Murat Gassiev brings a fearsome 32-2 record with 25 KOs, boasting a knockout rate over 78%. A former unified IBF and WBA cruiserweight champion, “Iron” rose to prominence in the inaugural World Boxing Super Series in 2018 with a series of dazzling knockouts, including his demolition of Cuban danger-man Yuniel Dorticos and Polish war-horse Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.

Since moving to heavyweight in 2019, the 32-year-old has racked up a host of eye-catching stoppage wins; including a fifth-round KO of Kem Ljungquist in 2024 and a TKO over Jeremiah Milton recently in August. A brutal body-puncher with dynamite in both fists, the 6’3” wrecking ball now has his sights set on becoming the first Russian heavyweight champion since Alexander Povetkin, who held the same WBA title between 2011 and 2013.

“Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment,” said WBA Heavyweight Title challenger Murat Gassiev.

“I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight on the planet – so I will be bringing the heat to Dubai. It will be an historic night for me and I will be extremely proud to bring the WBA title back home to Russia.”

“It is my intention to show everybody the absolute best version of Murat Gassiev and put the boxing world on notice once again.”

The bout pits Pulev’s technical ability against Gassiev’s raw power in a classic “boxer vs. puncher” match-up. With Pulev’s ram-rod jab and educated footwork squaring off against Gassiev’s heavy-handed aggression, fans will be treated to a tactical war with explosive knockout potential.

Umar Kremlev, President of International Boxing Association (IBA), said: “Pulev vs. Gassiev is a fight for the history books – a clash of skill, power, and heart. Dubai is the perfect stage to showcase this battle for the WBA title, and with Epic Sports, we’re delivering a night that will inspire the world and elevate boxing’s legacy.”

The heavyweight division in 2025 is fascinatingly poised, with a long list of hungry contenders vying for Ukrainian icon Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed championship. The winner of Pulev vs Gassiev will solidify themselves as a major player in boxing’s blue ribbon division, with a host of tantalising match-ups against the likes of Moses Itauma, Anthony Joshua and the returning Tyson Fury in the offing for the victor of December 12’s showdown.

Announcements on the undercard and the schedule for the world championships will be made in the coming weeks.

IBA Pro 13 will be promoted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and Epic Sports & Entertainment, with support from the Dubai Sports Council.

Murat Gassiev will make his long-awaited Heavyweight debut against Jerry Forrest at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Saturday February 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK – with rising Junior-Middleweight star Israil Madrimov in a World title eliminator and headline star Mikey Garcia showcasing two of his Garcia Promotions talents.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $25 VIA SEATGEEK

Gassiev (26-1 19 KOs) announced his move to Heavyweight in April after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing and Warriors Boxing to fight on DAZN, following hot on the heels of his old Cruiserweight foe Oleksandr Usyk, the last man he faced in an undisputed World title clash and the final of the World Boxing Super Series in July 2018.

The Russian banger was set to make his bow in July at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas against Joey Dawejko but a shoulder injury in the build-up forced the 26 year old to delay his entrance into a red-hot division.

Now a fully fit Gassiev does get the chance to debut in the Lone Star state, this time against seasoned Louisianan Forrest (26-3 20 KOs), the active 31 year old who has five wins from six fights in the last 12 months, and ‘The Iron’ is looking to sharpen his tools for an assault on the Heavyweights.

“I’m so happy to finally be able to make my debut at Heavyweight,” said Gassiev. “It has been frustrating not being able to fight but I am ready to go now, and I want to make up for lost time.

“When I box in Frisco it will have been nearly 600 days since I’ve fought and a lot has happened in the Heavyweight division over that time – I know that I can be a World champion at Heavyweight but I need to show to the rest of the division that I am a serious threat, and that starts on February 29.”

Madrimov (4-0 4 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Junior-Middleweight title in an official eliminator for the #2 position in the WBA against Venezuelan Charlie Navarro (29-9 22 KOs). Madrimov landed the title with a stunning second round KO of Frank Rojas in Verona, NY in March and maintained his 100 per cent KO ratio as a pro with sixth and fifth round wins at Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple in June and October.

The 24 year old Uzbekistani talent will be buoyed by his fellow countryman and stablemate ‘MJ’ Murodjon Akhmadaliev becoming Uzbekistan’s first ever unified champion, and victory over the experienced former World title challenger will edge Madrimov closer to a World title shot in 2020.

“I am so excited to be getting my first fight of 2020 on such a big card in Frisco,” said Madrimov. “I was so happy to watch MJ beat Daniel Roman in Miami last weekend, and that win has spurred me on to join him as a World champion this year.

“Navarro is a proud and experienced fighter and I know he will be a great test for me, but this is a great night for me to showcase my talents and show the rest of the division that I am ready to win World titles.”

It’s a huge weekend for headline star Garcia, who faces Jessie Vargas in a blockbuster Welterweight showdown in the main event. Garcia, who promotes a fight card on Friday night in Irving, Texas, will showcase two of his Garcia Promotions charges on his undercard with 20 year old unbeaten Texan Flyweight Jesse Rodriguez (10-0 6 KOs) clashing with Marco Sustaita (12-2-1 10 KOs) over ten rounds and unbeaten Mexican Middleweight Leo Ruiz Acevedo (6-0 4 KOs) taking on Dennis Knifechief (12-11 7 KOs) over six rounds.

“It’s great to have Jesse and Leo on the Frisco card that I am headlining against Jessie Vargas,” said Mikey Garcia. “Jesse’s fight with Marco is a really tough fight for both guys and it’s a real step up for Jesse, while Leo is on a great KO run and will be a threat in the Middleweight division in 2020 – February 29 is going to be a huge night of boxing and we’re looking to get three big wins.”

Gassiev, Madrimov, Rodriguez and Acevedo complete a stacked bill in Frisco, Texas, topped by Garcia vs. Vargas, with the longest reigning British World champion Kal Yafai (26-015 KOs) puts his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs) and rising Mexican sensation Julio Cesar Martinez (15-1 12 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC World Flyweight title against unbeaten European champion Jay Harris (17-0 9 KOs) – with Matchroom Boxing USA talents Diego Pacheco (8-0 7 KOs) and Alexis Espino (5-0 4 KOs) getting their first taste of action in 2020.

ENDS

About The Star in Frisco
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, other world class sporting events such as top flight boxing matches, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

Murat Gassiev will make his long-awaited Heavyweight debut against Joey Dawejko on Saturday July 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Gassiev has made the move up to join the big guns following an impressive run at Cruiserweight where his reign as IBF champion began when he ripped the title from Denis Lebedev in December 2012 and then stopping Krzystof Wlodarczyk and WBA champion Yuniel Dorticos in thrilling fashion to reach the final of the World Boxing Super Series.

The former unified champion 25 year old met Oleksandr Usyk in the finale to the WBSS in an blockbuster clash for the undisputed title in July where the Ukrainian travelled to Gassiev’s Moscow backyard and beat the hometown favorite. The California based Russian follows Usyk to Heavyweight after signing a co-promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing Promotion and Warriors Boxing.

Dawejko promises to provide a stiff examination of Gassiev’s credentials at Heavyweight, with the Philly man coming into the bout having nearly shocked Gassiev’s fellow countryman Sergiy Kuzmin in Verona, New York in March. Dawejko – who turns 29 tomorrow (June 11) – faces his third Russian foe in a row having taken Andrey Fedesov the ten round distance in October in Ekaterinburg, and Gassiev is eager to impress when he steps back into the ring after a year’s absence.

“I just want to fight – I need big fights,” said Gassiev. “I haven’t boxed for a year. I am only 25 years old so I have time but I want to be in big fights.

“The most important thing for me is to be in shape and fit. I feel good up at Heavyweight in the gym, I don’t feel heavy, so I am excited to settle into the weight.

“I sparred with Heavyweights all through my time at Cruiserweight and it was good for me, but sparring is different. I think that the time is right to move up though and I’m very motivated.”

“This is a very solid Heavyweight debut for Murat and a big risk as his first fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Joey is always competitor against the top Heavyweights, most recently against Russia’s Sergei Kuzmin in a fight that could have gone either way. This is an intriguing fight on what will be an outstanding night of boxing headlined by a potential fight of the year contender in Hooker vs Ramirez.”

Gassiev’s Heavyweight debut against Dawejko is part of a huge night of World championship action in Texas, headlined by the mouthwatering Super-Lightweight unification battle between Dallas’ WBO king Maurice Hooker and California’s WBC ruler Jose Ramirez.

Tickets go on pre-sale on Wednesday, with general sale starting on Friday.

Murat Gassiev has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing Promotion and Warriors Boxing – and will move up to Heavyweight in June as he prepares to fight on DAZN.

The 25 year old is moving up from Cruiserweight where he landed the IBF World title in June 2016 after beating Denis Lebedev in Moscow, defending it with a third round KO of Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in New Jersey in December 2017 in the quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series and then adding the WBA crown with a dramatic final round stoppage of Yunier Dorticos in February 2018.

That victory led Gassiev to a final with Usyk in a grand unification battle in Moscow which the Ukrainian won over the distance, and Gassiev has mirrored moves made by his last opponent, Oleksandr Usyk, in teaming up promotionally with Matchroom Boxing USA and with streaming giant DAZN as his US broadcast platform.

The Heavyweight division is on fire with the World’s best Anthony Joshua heading to New York to defend his World titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller live on DAZN, and with Matchroom Boxing’s stacked stable of Heavyweight contenders and champions, Gassiev is excited to be teaming up with Eddie Hearn and looking to land big fights straight away, with his June fight to be announced soon.

“I am very happy to announce the beginning of cooperation between my promoters, URAL and Warriors with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN,” said Gassiev. “I am confident that this cooperation will bring great results. I want to make all my fans around the world happy and realize my full potential in the exciting Heavyweight division.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Murat to the team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Having unified the division at Cruiserweight, I feel Murat is a very exciting addition to the Heavyweight division and what a fantastic time to join it. We have lots of fights ready made for him and I can’t wait to see him fighting at Heavyweight very soon.”