Boxing
Will current heavyweight champion be ringside at Itauma-Franklin?
Itauma vs Franklin: Subscribe to watch - March 28
Murat Gassiev finally made an impression on the heavyweight division when he stopped Kubrat Pulev at the backend of last year to become WBA regular champion.
After an impressive run at cruiserweight where he eventually fell way short against Oleksandr Usyk in 2018, Gassiev was expected to make an instant impact in the division above, but injuries placed his career on hold before he returned to action in 2020.
A 2023 setback when facing Otto Wallin threatened to derail his heavyweight aspirations, but success against Pulev have provided Gassiev with significance and a major showdown with Moses Itauma could be next for the heavy-handed 32-year-old.
Itauma ready to prove himself in toughest test yet!
Watch behind the scenes at Itauma's training camp
This Saturday, Itauma is back in action as he welcomes Jermaine Franklin to Manchester , live on DAZN , in what looks set to be the toughest test of his short career so far. The durable American has never been stopped, but if Itauma becomes the first man to halt Franklin within the distance then Pulev could be waiting to test him later this year.
Will Gassiev be ringside at the Co-op Live Arena to get a closer look at his potential next rival?
“No, because I start preparing myself for fight, but I don't have date and don't have opponent,” said Gassiev when speaking to DAZN News . “But right now, I'm at my home and start training and I would love to go, but not now. Maybe next time.”
Despite being unable to make it to England this weekend, Gassiev is well aware in his role as WBA beltholder that a fight with Itauma is realistic at some point in the near future. Those guiding the youngster's career have grand plans to one day rule the heavyweight division and the first step on the way to achieving that plan could come against Gassiev and the champion welcomes that challenge.
“Of course, why not? Moses young fighter, very talented, strong, fast. But right now he has fight against Franklin next. I think we’ll see what's happened after this fight as good challenge for him and after fight we can speak.”
With the fight fast approaching, Gassiev has sent his best wishes to someone who could be standing across the ring from his later in 2026.
“I want to send him a big hello. He’s a young fighter. I hope no injuries in training camp, no injuries after fight and I hope he goes back to his family without any injuries and come with win and all the best.”
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin with a DAZN subscription
Knockout sensation Moses Itauma faces his toughest test against Jermaine Franklin this Saturday night, March 28. Watch exclusively with a DAZN Ultimate subscription to also get PPVs Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) included.
Sign up for £22.99 / $44.99 per month. More details here.
