At just 22 years of age, Gassiev is already boasting an impressive 20-0 record with 16 stoppages as the Russian bludgeons his way through the 200 pound ranks.
Following in the footsteps of fellow-Eastern European Gennady Golovkin by linking up with Sanchez in the mountains of Big Bear, Gassiev has earned high praise from his coach ahead of a first outing in 2016.
“In my opinion, he is the next Golovkin out of my gym,” Sanchez told Stacey Verbeek on a recent photo shoot at The Summit.
“I have had him spar with a lot of heavyweights because I can’t get cruiserweights to spar with him and he is very dominant against everybody he spars with.”
Gassiev last fought in December against Isiah Thomas, although the contest was called off after the third round and declared a no contest. Gassiev hit Thomas after the bell and the American was unable to continue due to the blunt force of the blow.
‘Iron’ had initially been linked to a rematch with Thomas in the spring but could be involved in some sort of world title eliminator in the coming months or even challenge IBF champion Victor Ramirez, according to Stateside rumours.