“It is an honour to defend the WBA horld heavyweight Title for the first time, and to do it at home in front of my Russian fans makes it extra special,” said Gassiev, 33-2 (26 KOs), in a press release. “Tony Yoka is a tremendous champion, an Olympic gold medallist, a big, strong heavyweight with serious skills. I have huge respect for him. I would like to thank both my team and President Kremlev for this opportunity. On July 11, I will do my absolute best to win and keep the belt in Russia.”
