Murat Gassiev says a big thank you to Oleksandr Usyk

Murat Gassiev’s phone has suddenly started ringing off the hook since Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his three heavyweight titles to leave Gassiev as the sole WBA beltholder in the banner division.

“Right now, everybody wants to fight against me. Before? Nobody wanted to,” laughed Gassiev, the affable 32-year-old from Vladikavkaz, Russia.

“It’s a very good feeling [being heavyweight champion]. This title is one step closer to my dream to be unified world champion. This is now my second time. I’m trying again.”

Gassiev, 34-2 (27 KOs), was the IBF and WBA cruiserweight champion before losing a unanimous decision to Usyk in the World Boxing Super Series finals in 2018 for the division’s undisputed championship.

Taking a year off after the loss, Gassiev returned 30lbs heavier and transitioned into the heavyweight division. His sixth-round knockout over veteran contender Pulev allowed him to claim the secondary WBA title in December 2025. Following Usyk’s decision in June to relinquish his remaining three belts, including the WBA 'super' title, Gassiev was in effect upgraded by virtue of him being the only heavyweight to hold a WBA title. 

In 2025, Usyk chose to relinquish his WBO heavyweight title rather than defend against Fabio Wardley. The Englishman, previously interim beltholder, was installed as the WBO champion and lost to Daniel Dubois in his first defense.

“Fighters like me, Agit Kabayel, and Daniel Dubois want to say a big thanks to Oleksander,” Gassiev added. “His title was like a big gift for the new year.”

Speaking to IFLTV.com, Gassiev went through a list of some of the more prominent names he could now face.

Moses Itauma?

“Why not? A lot of people around boxing are talking about him like he’s the number one contender. He’s a young, talented, strong and fast fighter. Right now, his team and his promoter and manager aren't thinking about me because he must fight against Filip Hrgovic with all his focus. After that fight, we can fight.”

WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel? WBO champ Daniel Dubois?

“Agit is a great champion and a strong fighter. I have only respect for him. Daniel Dubois, the same. He’s a former world champion and now a world champion again. I have a lot of respect for him and other fighters. I respect everybody. Right now our teams, our promoters and managers need to work out the most interesting fights; the most exciting fights. Agit or Daniel for me, doesn't matter... I take any fight. The name doesn't matter. I need to go and fight against anyone.

Another fighter trying to throw his hat into the Gassiev ring is veteran Dillian Whyte who has been claiming he would “definitely” beat Gassiev. He last fought a year ago, getting stopped in a round by Itauma.

“I don't know. I think after his loss against Moses, I think he retired. He had a good career, and a lot of heavy fights. I think because maybe he's old or something. But Dillian is a good fighter with a good name in the boxing. He has a lot of fans in England. If they find this fight interesting, let's do it!

“I like Tyson Fury,” continued Gassiev. “He is my favorite fighter. I like his style and he’s personally a very good guy. I think we have the same mentality, you know? The same style because he’s always joking. I like this. We’re both a little crazy, but he’s more crazy than me. He's openly crazy. I’m only crazy on the inside. Anthony Joshua is an Olympic gold medalist and he’s had an incredible career. He would be a good fight for me. So would Tyson Fury.”

Gassiev, who defended his title against late-sub opponent Peter Kadiru by stopping him in six on July 11 (original opponent Tony Yoka withdrew due to injury), says he’s looking forward to returning late this year or early next and being part of an exciting time for heavyweight boxing.

First, however, comes a rest.

"Right now I’m not thinking about boxing because I stayed five months in camp, so right now I want a little rest to fix my health, take some medicine and get everything I need to recharge and restart my head a bit to be hungry for boxing… [but after that] I’m ready for anyone anywhere. Like I said, send me location, send me contract, opponent, and date, and let's do this.”