World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Cruiserweight Champion Murat Gassiev (26-0, 19KO’s) and challenger Okelsandr Usyk (14-0, 11KO’s) both made the cruiserweight limit, coming in at identical weights of 198.2lbs. 

Their highly anticipated bout is happening on Saturday, July 21st at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow.  The bout is the final in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) and is historic in the sense that it will be the first time an undisputed cruiserweight champion will be crowned.

“I am looking forward to the final,” said Ukrainian Usyk in a recent interview. “When I was in Sochi and watched the semi-final between Gassiev and Dorticos, I met a lot of people who said they support Murat, but that they respect me.”

Usyk also said that he has no worries about fighting on enemy turf in Moscow, as he is no stranger at all whatsoever to traveling to other fighters countries to fight them, such as Poland for Krzysztof Glowacki, Germany for Marco Huck, and just this January Lavtia for Mairis Breidis. 

“It does not matter which city, which country my opponent is from and I am not worried about fighting in Moscow. For me, it’s normal to fight abroad.” Said Usyk.

Gassiev, on the other hand, expects a very action packed fight that the fans will enjoy “This fight has the attention of fans all over the world,” said Gassiev, “We are going to make history and will make a beautiful fight.”

As for claims that he gets home turf advantage he slightly rebuked them “I don’t think I have an advantage fighting in Russia, because I know Usyk has many fans here too. I respect my opponent, and I don’t pay attention to where he comes from.”

The fight is highly anticipated, with it being one of the best matchups of the year with the best fighting the best in the division.  It is a fight where many fans and media are having a hard time making a prediction because it is such an even matchup.  Can’t wait for Saturday.