Chisora vs Gassiev: Derek Chisora has called for a showdown with WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight world champion, Murat Gassiev. The Brit has also taken a swipe at the WBA for putting their belt on the line for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.
Chisora faced off with Gassiev after his sixth round stoppage over Peter Kadiru in July.
Furthermore, at an IBA press conference in Istanbul, the popular heavyweight veteran reaffirmed his desire to face the Russian in December.
Chisora was thought to have retired after his defeat to Deontay Wilder in April, which was his 50th professional fight. A Chisora vs Gassiev fight now looks set to extend his career further.
Chisora vs Gassiev in the works
However, the 42-year-old appears to have reversed that call and is keen to lock horns with Gassiev before the end of the year.
IBA President Umar Kremlev is looking to stage Chisora vs Gassiev in England. Meanwhile, the IBA will hold their President’s Cup in Istanbul from November 27 until December 4. The tournament will bring together elite amateurs and professional boxers.
The Brit confirmed his Chisora vs Gassiev plans at the press conference on Tuesday.
“December it’ll be me vs Gassiev,” Chisora said at the press conference on Tuesday. “We’re going to decide where. Either in London or Manchester.
“We’re going to put two belts on the line. The IBA and the WBA ‘regular’.
“So why not? Let’s have fun with it.”
Joshua vs Fury WBA title row
While the Chisora vs Gassiev clash would carry the WBA ‘regular’ belt, the WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title will reportedly be at stake when the Joshua vs Fury fight takes place at Principality Stadium on December 11.
Despite both men previously holding world titles, the decision has drawn widespread criticism. Particularly given their patchy recent form.
Chisora, who hopes to land the Chisora vs Gassiev fight in December, was among those that have disputed the WBA title being on the line for Joshua vs Fury.
The 42-year-old told reporters including Pro Boxing Fans in Istanbul on Tuesday: “Why do we need a super champion? For what?
“We’re killing boxing.
“Why is it in boxing that we have to make different belts for the sake of the people who are not boxing to make more money off it.
“That needs to change. Gassiev is the champion. It’s madness.”
Whether the WBA backs Chisora vs Gassiev as a title fight remains to be seen, but the Brit has made clear who he believes holds the real belt.
