Promoter Eddie Hearn is predicting an intriguing contest but also says Joey Dawejko is a big risk for new top division contender Murat Gassiev.
Gassiev will make his long-awaited Heavyweight debut against Dawejko. The bout takes place on Saturday July 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
Gassiev has made the move up to join the big guns. This follows an impressive run at Cruiserweight where his reign as IBF champion began when he ripped the title from Denis Lebedev in December 2012. He then stopped Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and WBA champion Yuniel Dorticos in thrilling fashion to reach the final of the World Boxing Super Series.
The former unified champion 25 year old met Oleksandr Usyk in the finale to the WBSS. It was a blockbuster clash for the undisputed title in July where the Ukrainian travelled to Gassiev’s Moscow backyard and beat the hometown favorite.
The California based Russian follows Usyk to Heavyweight after signing a co-promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing Promotion and Warriors Boxing.
Dawejko promises to provide a stiff examination of Gassiev’s credentials at Heavyweight. The Philly man is coming into the bout having nearly shocked Gassiev’s fellow countryman Sergiy Kuzmin in Verona, New York in March.
Dawejko – who turns 29 today (June 11) – faces his third Russian foe in a row. This comes after having taken Andrey Fedesov the ten round distance in October in Ekaterinburg, and Gassiev is eager to impress when he steps back into the ring after a year’s absence.
“I just want to fight. I need big fights,” said Gassiev. “Also, I haven’t boxed for a year. I’m only 25 years old. I have time but I want to be in big fights.
“The most important thing for me is to be in shape and fit. I feel good up at Heavyweight in the gym, I don’t feel heavy. So I am excited to settle into the weight.
“I sparred with Heavyweights all through my time at Cruiserweight. It was good for me, but sparring is different. I think that the time is right to move up though and I’m very motivated.”
HEARN
“This is a very solid Heavyweight debut for Murat. A big risk as his first fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Joey is always competing against the top Heavyweights. Most recently against Russia’s Sergei Kuzmin. It’s a fight that could have gone either way.
“This is an intriguing fight on what will be an outstanding night of boxing. It’s headlined by a potential fight of the year contender in Hooker vs Ramirez.”
Gassiev’s Heavyweight debut against Dawejko is part of a huge night of World championship action in Texas. Topped by the mouthwatering Super-Lightweight unification battle between Dallas’ WBO king Maurice Hooker and California’s WBC ruler Jose Ramirez.
Tickets go on pre-sale on Wednesday. General sale starts on Friday.
