Notebook: Gassiev to defend 'regular' heavyweight title vs. Yoka

A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.Subscribe nowGive a gift subscriptionSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to the YouTube channelSubscribe to DAZN's Ultimate PlanLeave a commentMurat Gassiev will defend the WBA “regular” heavyweight title against Tony Yoka in the headliner of an IBA Pro card on July 11 at VTB Arena in Moscow, the IBA announced on Wednesday.Gassiev, who was down on all three scorecards — 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47 — dramatically won belt by crushing one-punch knockout of Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round in December at Duty Free Tennis Center in Dubai.Now former unified cruiserweight titlist Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs), 32, will be at home in Russia to make his first defense against Yoka (15-3, 12 KOs), 34, the 2016 French Olympic gold medalist, whose pro career so far as been a major disappointment given his losses and performance-enhancing drug issues.“It is an honor 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,” Gassiev said. “Tony Yoka is a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him. I will do my absolute best to win and keep the belt in Russia.”I am in my 27th year of full-time boxing coverage. Take advantage of that experience by upgrading to a paid subscription for full access to the rest of this post and all posts and comments — and support independent journalism.Subscribe nowGive a gift subscription Read more