WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev has compiled a four-man shortlist for his next ring appearance. However, the final decision may ultimately rest with the WBA and its mandatory championship obligations.
Fresh off a successful title defense against Peter Kadiru in Moscow, Gassiev is now weighing his options.
Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of EPIC Sports & Entertainment, outlined the primary targets as Gassiev plans his next move:
“The heavyweight division has come alive again, and Murat is right in the middle of it,” Gotzev stated. “We are carefully evaluating every option with one primary question in mind: which fight makes the most sporting and commercial sense for Murat and for heavyweight boxing as a whole? Our destination, however, is clear—we want to unify this division.”
Four Options for Gassiev
Gotzev identified Jarrell Miller, Derek Chisora, Agit Kabayel, and Bakhodir Jalolov as the four candidates under active consideration.
Miller is already a strong contender, while Chisora dramatically entered the ring to confront the champion following his victory over Kadiru. Kabayel presents an immediate unification opportunity, whereas two-time Olympic gold medalist Jalolov represents a formidable tactical test.
Gotzev remains confident that Gassiev can replicate the elite success he previously achieved in the cruiserweight division:
“Murat was already a unified champion at cruiserweight. If he can achieve the same feat at heavyweight, he will join Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk in an extraordinary chapter of boxing history,” Gotzev added. “At just 32 years old, Murat is a world champion and one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport. We truly believe his greatest nights lie ahead.”
Miller Remains the Frontrunner
Despite options on the table, the WBA’s sanctioning rules could dictate the ultimate outcome.
Jarrell Miller remains the primary candidate, even after he was temporarily removed as the mandatory challenger due to an administrative error when the WBA initially granted him that status.
At the time, Moses Itauma held the sanctioning body’s official mandatory challenger spot. However, the landscape shifted significantly as Itauma pivoted away from the WBA to pursue the vacant IBF heavyweight crown against Filip Hrgovic on August 29.
Itauma’s shift clears the path for Miller to return to the top of the queue.
Reports previously indicated that Miller was closing in on a title clash with Gassiev prior to the release of this four-man shortlist. Miller, who lost a high-profile shot at Anthony Joshua in 2019 following failed drug tests, has spent years rebuilding his career and recently secured a victory over Lenier Pero in April.
While Gassiev’s team continues to evaluate all four prospective opponents, the champion may not possess complete freedom of choice. With Itauma focused on the IBF, the WBA’s mandatory ruling may ultimately force Gassiev’s hand.
