Denis Lebedev vs Murat Gassiev

[RuslanChagaev]

WBA "Super" and IBF Cruiserweight Champion Denis Lebedev will make his first unified title defense on December 3rd, taking on unbeaten prospect Murat Gassiev in Moscow.

Lebedev (29-2, 22 KO) has won four straight since Guillermo Jones turned his face into a hacky sack in 2013, three of them by knockout. His most recent effort saw him blow away then-IBF champ Victor Emilio Rodriguez in two.

Gassiev (23-0, 17 KO) has looked pretty damn unstoppable since joining the pro ranks, but he’s only twenty-two and has yet to challenge anyone even close to Lebedev’s league. This is an absolute trial by fire for "Iron," taking on a skilled veteran who can withstand his power and dish out some monster blows of his own.

Who's your favorite in this fight?

Denis Lebedev

Murat Gassiev

[NaijaD]

This is tough fight to pick for me, Gassiev hasn't fought anyone significant at cruiser. Lebedev is the man at the division but at 37 with an action packed style, you never know when his well will run empty but I'm leaning to Denis on the this one.

[mlac]

If Gassiev has heart and a good set of whiskers i would favour the younger fresher bigger man.

However lebedev is underrated by many people, and tough AF.

I cannot wait tbh

[SN!PER]

Murat has some heavy hands.

I think he pounds Lebedev, lays him out cold.

[Eff Pandas]

I like Murat, but mostly I'm just looking forward to this fight.

[The Hammer]

Fairly even matchup. I'm rooting for the underrated Lebedev, one of my favorite fighters.

Although I'm picking the experienced and accomplished Lebedev to prevail, he's been through a lot of wars and Gassiev is a very good fighter.

Gassiev is a lot younger and hasn't taken much punishment yet.

[mlac]

Murat has some heavy hands.

I think he pounds Lebedev, lays him out cold.

really? lebedev is one of the toughest SOB's in the entire sport.

Did you not see him continue to fight on with a deformed mutant face that looked like Arnie's face at the end of total recall??

[John Locke]

Is Gassiev Chechen?

[RuslanChagaev]

Is Gassiev Chechen?

He's Tatars, like my favorite fighter Ruslan Chagaev. Caucasian peoples are neighbors to each other so, therefore everyone says different things about it.

[John Locke]

He's Tatars, like my favorite fighter Ruslan Chagaev. Caucasian peoples are neighbors to each other so, therefore everyone says different things about it.

I see, it makes sense he's of Turkic origin with his first name