Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, is open to the possibility of facing Murat Gassiev, the recently crowned WBA “regular” title holder in the cruiserweight division. Gassiev, who emerged victorious by stopping Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round on December 12 in Dubai, has caught the attention of Wilder, who praised Gassiev’s performance.
During an interview with Boxing Social, Wilder stated, “Congratulations to Gassiev. I think that would be an amazing fight.” This endorsement reflects Wilder’s interest in potential matchups, despite his own recent struggles in the ring.
Wilder’s record currently stands at 44 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 43 of those victories coming by knockout. Following a challenging period where he faced setbacks against notable opponents like Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang, Wilder secured a much-needed seventh-round knockout win against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon on June 27. This victory has reignited some optimism for the veteran fighter as he looks to rebuild his standing in the boxing world.
Presently, Wilder finds himself ranked No. 13 by the WBC, the only sanctioning body that includes him in their top 15. While his path back to title contention seems perplexing, he remains hopeful and is eager to see how potential opportunities, such as a bout with Gassiev, materialize in the future.
Wilder admired Gassiev’s performance, particularly noting the effectiveness of the left hook that led to his victory. “That was a beautiful left hook,” he remarked. “It was very sneaky.” This admiration underscores Wilder’s respect for the cruiserweight champion as he contemplates the next step in his career. The boxing community eagerly awaits what could unfold as Wilder continues to assess his future in the ring.