Murat Gassiev has expressed bewilderment at the WBA's choice to stage the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua showdown for the 'super' heavyweight championship, and has insisted that whoever emerges victorious must face him in a mandatory title defence.
Gassiev holds the WBA 'regular' title after stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round in Dubai in December 2025. He had anticipated elevation to 'super' or undisputed world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt, but the WBA's announcement that Fury and Joshua will contest the 'super' title on December 11 has left him in the secondary position.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed on October 15 that the WBA super heavyweight title will be at stake in the Fury-Joshua fight, with the organization backing the decision. The ruling has prompted Gassiev's team to ask the WBA to clarify his title status.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gassiev articulated his frustration with the peculiar circumstances.
This situation is interesting, a little bit strange, with the belt. When Usyk left his belt, I wake up I'm super champion. Go to sleep, wake up, I'm again regular champion. It's okay. I'm not angry. I understand. I'm not a kid, I understand everything.
Despite his acceptance of the situation, Gassiev remains firm that the WBA must enforce a mandatory challenge clause in his favour.
From me a big present for AJ and Tyson before new year. A present from me. Just only one thing. Who wins - after the fight I need to fight with this guy for sure.
I think it's a good option and I'm happy for this if this situation happens. I'm happy and I'm ready.
The Russian heavyweight has backed Fury to prevail in the December encounter.
Fury is my favourite fighter. I like his style. How he does everything. I think Tyson wins by decision, or AJ by knockout.
Gassiev emphasised that professional respect does not diminish his competitive drive.
I love him outside the ring, but inside the ring I don't love anybody. It's sport. It's nothing personal. This is only sport for me. When the fight finishes I shake hands, hug and I can be friends with this guy.
The 31-year-old last competed in June when he defeated Peter Kadiru by stoppage. His next opponent and fight date remain unconfirmed, though The Ring reported Jarrell Miller, who earned a WBA title opportunity with a unanimous-decision win over Lenier Pero in an April title eliminator, as a possible mandatory challenger.
Gassiev revealed his current focus is purely on training.
I'm only training right now. I have people who speak with WBA and right now all my focus is only for training.
I'm a fighter. I'm not manager, I'm not promoter. I just want to fight and do my job. I'm just waiting for what happens next.
What happens next
Fury and Joshua are scheduled to contest the WBA super heavyweight title on December 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with Netflix broadcasting the event. Gassiev's next opponent and fight date remain unannounced, pending the outcome of the Cardiff showdown and WBA's enforcement of mandatory challenger rules.
