By Steve Kim

Tomorrow in Moscow, Denis Lebedev defends his IBF cruiserweight title against the hard-hitting and unbeaten Murat Gassiev in Moscow, Russia, in what is expected to be an exciting contest.

Lebedev also holds the WBA's version of the title, but decided to only stake his IBF - since Gassiev is the mandatory challenger to that title. Win or lose, Lebedev will walk away a world champion.

Freddie Roach, who trains the defending champion said - "It's a very tough fight,  maybe a tough fight for us but once we take him to the deep waters, late rounds, I think we'll take control of him and take him out in the later rounds."

Gassiev, who is trained by Abel Sanchez, has a record of 23-0 (17 KO's) but could be considered untested, which Roach believes is something that factors in their favor.

"Experience is a big key and he's a little bit green,"said Roach, last week a day before he left for Russia."He's a solid guy, solid puncher, good fighter. Maybe one of the best opponents we've faced in awhile."

But Roach does not discount Gassiev's punching power. In his last outing, Gassiev scored a highlight reel KO of Jordan Shimmell in the first round.

"He's heavy-handed, he can punch," admitted Roach. "Denis can punch also, early on we're going to have to fight a real smart fight. (Gassiev) can be dangerous for the first four rounds."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.