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Murat Gassiev offers Derek Chisora shot at his WBA heavyweight title, if he beats Deontay Wilder

Derek Chisora will fight Deontay Wilder next and Murat Gassiev expects the Londoner to win by knockout; Gassiev is willing to put the WBA 'regular' title on the line against Chisora, if the Briton beats Wilder; Gassiev hopes to box Fabio Wardley or even Tyson Fury in future

Friday 30 January 2026 22:53, UK

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WBA 'regular' heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev wants to fight Tyson Fury in his comeback fight despite Fabio Wardley being in early contention to fight Fury

Murat Gassiev would welcome a fight with Derek Chisora or Deontay Wilder.

Gassiev holds a WBA 'regular' heavyweight title while Oleksandr Usyk, who beat the Russian in their 2018 cruiserweight clash, is that sanctioning body's 'super' or primary world heavyweight champion.

Chisora and Wilder have lined up a heavyweight clash in London for April 4, and Gassiev would be open to defending his belt against the victor.

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"It's a good fight. Before my last fight, at the weigh-in, I saw them face off. But I thought it was like a joke," Gassiev told the Toe2Toe podcast.

"Deontay, a couple of years ago I sparred with him. He's a great guy, great person, nice fighter. He had good power, a hard warrior and it's a good fight.

"My opinion, I think Derek wins this fight by knockout. If after this fight, he's not retired, why not? Or Deontay Wilder, if he wins. It doesn't matter.

"It's just we need to find the best for all boxing fans."

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Barry Jones and Don Charles both believe Deontay Wilder is underestimating Derek Chisora and that fight would be all wrong for 'The Bronze Bomber'

There are other British fighters that Gassiev would relish boxing, Fabio Wardley, the WBO champion, and Daniel Dubois among them.

"Fabio, he's world champion, he's one of the best heavyweights in the world right now," Gassiev reflected. "A unification fight is always an interesting fight.

"Right now is a good time for UK boxing," he continued. "Daniel, again, a big name for boxing, a former heavyweight champion. You never know what'll happen."

He added: "I would love to fight Tyson Fury.

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Trainer Don Charles has backed his former fighter Derek Chisora to beat Deontay Wilder should the pair clash in what Chisora has said will be his last fight

"Big showman, I like his style inside the ring, outside, a lot of respect for him."

Though Gassiev noted: "Before a fight you have plan A, plan B, plan C, a lot of game plans. But when you take some punches, everything changes. One punch can change all.

"With any opponent I try to do my best and do everything to win."

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