Murat Gassiev has challenged the decision to potentially place the WBA’s heavyweight “super” title on the line when Tyson Fury faces Anthony Joshua, describing the situation as “strange” and insisting he should be next in line for the winner.
The controversy centres on the WBA heavyweight championship picture following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his titles earlier this year. Gassiev believed that, as the WBA’s existing heavyweight title holder, he would be elevated to full or “super” champion status. Instead, reports emerged that Fury and Joshua could contest the WBA’s premier heavyweight belt when they finally meet on December 11 in Cardiff.
That development has left the Russian heavyweight questioning both the process and his own standing within the sanctioning body’s rankings.
Gassiev Calls Situation ‘Strange’
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gassiev admitted he found the situation confusing after believing he had inherited a higher championship status when Usyk stepped away from the division. ion is interesting, a little bit strange, with the belt,” Gassiev said.
He added that one day he appeared to be recognised as a “super” champion before finding himself back in regular champion status.
While Gassiev stopped short of launching a direct attack on Fury or Joshua, he made it clear that he expects the winner of their fight to face him next if the WBA title is indeed attached to the blockbuster British showdown.
“Who wins – after the fight I need to fight with this guy for sure,” Gassiev told Sky Sports.
Why Is Gassiev Objecting?
The issue is less about Fury and Joshua and more about championship process.
According to reports and statements released by Gassiev’s team, the heavyweight believes that an existing champion should not be bypassed in favour of two fighters who currently do not hold a world title.
His representatives have already lodged a formal objection with the WBA and requested clarification regarding reports linking the “super” championship to the Fury-Joshua contest.
John Wirt, Gassiev’s co-promoter and legal counsel, argued that the reigning champion should either be elevated or given the first opportunity to compete for the higher championship designation.
The team has also questioned whether allowing Fury and Joshua to compete for the belt while Gassiev remains champion would be unprecedented.
What Is Confirmed?
Several facts are clear:
- Fury and Joshua are scheduled to fight on December 11 in Cardiff. Gassiev currently remains listed as WBA heavyweight champion.
- Gassiev’s team has formally challenged reports linking the WBA “super” title to the Fury-Joshua bout.
- Gassiev wants a mandatory shot at the winner if the title is involved.
What Remains Unclear?
The biggest uncertainty is the WBA’s final position.
Gassiev himself recently admitted he still does not have complete information regarding whether his title is actually at stake or how the organisation intends to structure the championship moving forward.
According to comments reported this week, the Russian heavyweight said neither he nor his team had received official clarification explaining the situation.
That means significant questions remain unanswered as preparations continue for one of boxing’s biggest fights.
What Happens Next?
CONFIRMED FACT
Fury and Joshua are set to meet in one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of the modern era.
REPORTED
Multiple outlets have reported that the WBA “super” title could be attached to the fight.
GUZ ANALYSIS
If the WBA proceeds with that plan, pressure will increase on the sanctioning body to clarify Gassiev’s position and provide a clear route to a title opportunity.
The Russian’s argument is straightforward: if Fury and Joshua are fighting for the organisation’s highest heavyweight championship, the winner should have to face the man who currently believes he has earned that status through his performances in the ring.
Until the WBA provides a definitive explanation, the title picture remains almost as intriguing as the fight itself.
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