Comments Thread For: Murat Gassiev Drops, Wins Split Nod Over Lebedev For IBF Belt

[Edward90]

I didn't realize how many people are quick to yell robbery or conjure up some conspiracy unless the fight is super one-sided or there is a knockout. LOL. I don't know if that's because there have been significant robberies in boxing's history or if boxing fans are that biased for their fighters... ehh. Good fight though..

[MDPopescu]

Good fight. Gassiev has a lot to work on but some good tools and will be a fun fighter.

The guy is only 23...

I would have also given the decision to Gassiev based only on Lebedev's decision to pull out the WBA strap from the table -- horrible...

[angkag]

If you watch Usyk against Glowacki, Usyk is mobile with good footwork, but most importantly, he doesn't slow down right through to the end of the 12th.

Gassiev tonight did a lot of 'walking down', which against Usyk wouldn't work as Usyk would be maneuvering around him all night.

But Gassiev is only 23 and its his first 12 rounder at this level, so he learned a lot in this fight, not least of which will be he needs more in his tank next time. Same performance against Usyk, he needs to position to get his shots off faster, and also have more in the tank. At 23 he's still developing and arguably not ready for some of the top dogs in the division yet - but now he's got that belt, he's going to have to upgrade fast.

[Scipio2009]

Usyk vs Gassiev for WBO/IBF Unification in 2017 hopefully.

Why would Gassiev's camp go with that fight when they could easily stage Gassiev vs Huck (in Russia or Germany) and end up with a better actual fight with more money at stake?

[angkag]

The worst robbery I've every seen is Chudinov - Sturm II. It was in this February. Actually it wasn't a robbery, it was an organized crime.

Not the best example - I thought Chudinov did enough to take that, but Sturm did put in a good show that night. As the commentator said at the end 'anybody's guess who won that'.

Only thing I remember was watching that incident in the 10th where Sturm got cut about 20 times in slomo. Their heads glanced against each other with Chudinov landing a punch to the eye a microsecond later, then Sturm saying 'ouch' and the ref stopping the action. Just didn't look like enough evidence that the head collision caused the cut for the ref to stop the action at the time other than Sturm saying 'ouch' and asking for a time-out. Far as I could see Chudinov had every right to keep throwing at that point - but the fight was very 'gentlemanly', so Chudinov also backed off to Sturm's complaint. Pretty sure Tyson would have gone for a decapitation at that point and bitten an ear off at the same time.

[angkag]

Why would Gassiev's camp go with that fight when they could easily stage Gassiev vs Huck (in Russia or Germany) and end up with a better actual fight with more money at stake?

By better fight, its a fight that Gassiev could win more easily as Huck is less mobile than Usyk and Gassiev more chance of landing his bombs. Not sure Gassiev would be favourite vs Huck though (especially if in Germany).

[Sid-Knee]

I had Lebedev by 2. Thought Gassiev was lucky to get that. But great fight anyway. Both showed heart.

[nycsmooth]

Roach is so overrated as a trainer it doesn't even bear offering comment...

[Tobi.G]

Dont know about the decision but the cruiserweight-division is full of talent and powerfull fighters thats for sure! A great division! Gassiev will get better hes just a pup at 23 years of age and has no experience at that level. Give him some time and he could be the ruler.

[1hourRun]

GIF : Gassiev vs. Lebedev - Body!



Gassi reached around and said give me that liver!