Boxing promoter Al Siesta has revealed that Murat Gassiev is keen to face-off with Moses Itauma.
Gassiev is first set to challenge Kubrat Pulev for his WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title in Dubai on December 12.
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Gassiev had won both of his cruiserweight titles by 24, after challenging legitimate champions and coming away the victor
The WBA had ordered Itauma to face ‘regular’ champion Pulev, but the Bulgarian received clearance to make a voluntary defence against the Russian, leaving Itauma out in the cold.
Itauma could well still pursue the WBA route to a world title, and promoter of the bout Siesta believes Gassiev could cause Itauma problems.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “Pulev is a great fight for Itauma cause it’s an easy fight.
“Pulev is a great professional but Itauma is on a really good run.
“Gassiev coming out of the woodwork, great cruiserweight, incredible heavyweight, just won in America and now he’s in contention.
“Gassiev will knock Pulev out and then he will embrace Ituama, he can be next.
“Murrat Gassiev against Moses Itauma is much better with than Moses Itauma versus Pulev.
“The only downfall for Itauma, is that Gassiev will be the champion.”
Who is Murat Gassiev?
Former unified cruiserweight champion, Gassiev, dominated the division as he claimed the IBF and WBA titles before moving up in weight in 2020.
His heavyweight reinvention came two years after a comprehensive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, which saw Gassiev lose his unbeaten record as a professional.
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Gassiev is being tipped to pose a real threat to Itauma
Similar success followed in the ring as he competed at the new weight, having lost just once more in his career to Otto Wallin when they clashed in 2023.
Gassiev is hoping to make an immediate splash in the heavyweight division, with victory over Pulev to put him in position to demand a sequel with Usyk.
What’s next for Moses Itauma?
A match-up with Gassiev could be on the cards after the IBA Pro 13 event, although Itauma is still running low on options for his planned December 13 fight date.
The prodigy has had offers turned down by the likes of Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic, and a staggering request for a payday over $3million to fight him.
That being said, Joshua Parker has offered to step in on short notice to clash with Itauma and Zhilei Zhang has also thrown his hat into the ring.
But an official solution has yet to be published, with promoter Frank Warren remaining coy on the situation.
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Itauma is a difficult match-up for anyone and is struggling for competitionCredit: Leigh Dawney / Queensberry
If an agreement cannot be reached, it is likely Itauma will look to return as soon as possible in 2026.
But an immediate fight with Usyk is currently off the cards according to the champion himself.