Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Russian star Murat Gassiev became his nation’s first world heavyweight champion in 13 years, after a crushing sixth-round knockout win over Kubrat Pulev saw the 32-year-old capture the WBA world heavyweight title at IBA Pro 13 in Dubai.
Boxing in front of a raucous crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Gassiev, a former unified cruiserweight titleholder, began the contest in watchful fashion – before exploding into life with a crunching left-hook that felled the experienced Bulgarian in devastating fashion.
The win reaffirms Gassiev’s status as one of the sport’s most dangerous punchers, with the Ossetia native picking up his 26th stoppage win and condemning Pulev to the fourth loss of his career in the process.
“This was a good fight,” said Gassiev in the aftermath of his stunning victory. “I have a lot of respect for Kubrat [Pulev]. He’s a great champion and a great person. I only have respect for him. This is boxing, and I hope his health is good and he has no injuries.
“I won and it’s a good feeling, but it was a tough fight; a hard fight for me because he has a lot of experience and he is a big guy. “At the press conference and the weigh-in, I didn’t feel his size; but when he started moving, throwing some shots and some combinations – I felt his size. He is very big and has a big heart. He is a warrior.”
Pulev, 44, was in a philosophical mood following the defeat, expressing his sadness at the knockout loss and refusing to be drawn on his fighting future. “It was a good fight, but you know in boxing, one punch can decide everything.
“I felt [during the fight] like I was going to win. I feel amazing, I feel good - but I feel sad, because the people are not happy. My fans are not happy – but only this makes me sad. Now, let’s rest a little bit and then we’ll see what happens.”
Gassiev is now mandated to defend his title against heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma next. Having already expressed his dream of fighting at London’s Wembley Stadium, the man nicknamed “Iron” finds himself on the verge of some tantalising contests in boxing’s blue ribbon division.
Elsewhere on the undercard there was a career-best win for unbeaten lightweight Bakhodur Usmonov who defeated Britain’s Maxi Hughes via majority decision after 12 competitive rounds.
