Murat Gassiev vs Peter Kadiru Preview: Joe Joyce Returns on Heavyweight-Packed Moscow Card

Moscow isn’t exactly short of explosions these days, but this weekend the ones inside the ring will be the legal kind. Murat Gassiev headlines the action against Peter Kadiru, while Britain’s Joe Joyce returns in a fascinating crossroads fight with unbeaten Artem Suslenkov. For one night at least, the talking will be done with heavyweight punches instead of politicians.

Main Event: Murat Gassiev vs Peter Kadiru

Murat Gassiev (33-2-0) wasn’t originally preparing for Peter Kadiru (23-1-0), but late changes are part of boxing and now the Russian gets the chance to make the first defence of his WBA heavyweight title against the German challenger.

Gassiev has always carried serious power, and although his move to heavyweight has had its ups and downs, he’s still one of those fighters capable of changing a fight with a single clean shot. Kadiru arrives with a strong record of his own and far less pressure on his shoulders. That can make a dangerous opponent, especially one with little to lose.

The question is whether Kadiru can make Gassiev work over the distance or if the champion’s heavier hands eventually take over. On paper Gassiev deserves to be favourite, but short-notice replacements have caused plenty of surprises over the years.

Co-Main / Key Fights

Joe Joyce (16-4-0) returns against unbeaten Russian Artem Suslenkov (14-0-0) in what feels like one of the most intriguing fights on the card.

Joyce is trying to rebuild after a difficult run, while Suslenkov has the opportunity to score the biggest win of his career in front of a home crowd. Joyce’s relentless pressure and engine have always been his biggest strengths, but at 40 years old there are understandable questions about how much he has left. If Suslenkov can deal with that trademark work rate, he’ll announce himself to a much wider audience.

Undercard

Heavyweights Murad Khalidov (12-0-0) and Arslan Yallyev (17-1-0) meet in a solid clash between two fighters with plenty to gain. An unbeaten record goes on the line, making this one worth keeping an eye on.

Former cruiserweight contender Aleksei Egorov (13-3-0) faces unbeaten David Dzukaev (11-0-0). Experience meets momentum in what could turn into one of the night’s better technical contests.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Sharabutdin Ataev (9-0-0) takes on experienced former world title challenger Jose Uzcategui (34-5-0). It’s another useful measuring stick for a rising prospect.

Tamerlan Ozdoev (5-0-0) continues his development against Shivam (13-3-1) in the lightweight division.

Olympic standout Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (6-0-0) looks to stay unbeaten when he faces Kevin Martinez (14-1-0) in another heavyweight contest.

The professional debut of Vyacheslav Rogozin gets the card underway as he meets RV Deniega (12-3-0) over six rounds at bantamweight.

Closing Thoughts

Gassiev is expected to take care of business, but the heavyweight division rarely sticks to the script. Joyce’s comeback could easily steal the headlines if he looks sharp again, while several unbeaten prospects have the chance to leave Moscow with considerably bigger reputations than they arrived with.