IBF cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev insists he is ready to defend his world title and advance to the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series when he fights Krzysztof Wlodarczyk on Saturday at the Prudential Centre, in Newark. The Russia is unbeaten in 24 fights, with 17 stoppages, and has been preparing with Abel Sanchez in Gennady Golovkin’s training base.
“I’ve been working very hard in Big Bear, California with Abel Sanchez for about 10 weeks preparing for this fight. We are like a family up there. I have my Russian brothers, plus Gennady Golovkin, who is definitely like an older brother to me,” Gassiev said. “Abel has helped me so much. He hasn’t tried to change my style. He’s just gone in and made my style better. He means so much to me.”
He continued, “My last fight was my first title shot and I felt great in the moment. My nerves were calm and I feel like this is what I was made for. I want to be in this position for a very long time.
“I’m very thankful to be a part of this tournament. I’m very happy to be a part of this. This is an opportunity to be a unified world champion and prove that I’m the best in the division.”
Gassiev promised, “I will show everyone what I am all about on Saturday night. I’m not a big talker, but I will speak loudly with my fists on Saturday.”
Wlodarczyk warned, “Everyone knows that my experience will help me. I’ve had a lot more pro bouts than Gassiev. But I also will need to display smart boxing. I think I am the more intelligent fighter and will show it on Saturday.
“My first goal is to win and become IBF world champion. That would put me in a special place in the history of Polish boxing as a three-time world champion. Winning this tournament would be very prestigious and lucrative for me.
“It’s always great to have the support of the great Polish fans. They really support all of their guys from Poland. But I have lots of experience fighting on the road with no Polish fans so it will just be a nice bonus.
“It’s going to be a clash of styles, I don’t know exactly what it will look like, but I can guarantee that it’s going to be exciting.”
