Gassiev will face Kadiru after Joyce misses heavyweight title shot
Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 5:42 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026

Murat Gassiev's WBA heavyweight title defense is set for Saturday against Peter Kadiru. Gassiev was initially scheduled to face Tony Yoka, who withdrew due to injury. Joe Joyce, also fighting on the undercard, was considered as a replacement but will instead compete against Artem Suslenkov. Gassiev holds a record of 33-2 with 26 knockouts, while Kadiru comes in with a 23-1 record. This title defense represents Gassiev's first since being elevated to full champion status.
- •Gassiev defends his WBA title against Kadiru on Saturday.
- •Joyce will face Suslenkov on the undercard in Moscow.
- •Kadiru has won nine straight fights leading into the title match.
- •Gassiev was promoted to full champion after Usyk vacated the title.
- •Joyce is coming off four losses in his last five fights.
"Murat Gassiev's first defence of his WBA heavyweight title will go ahead on Saturday after a replacement opponent was found for the Russian.
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