“Unification fights are always the priority in professional boxing,” Gassiev said to the media after the fight. “Kabayel has the WBC belt, Dubois has the WBO belt, and the IBF title is vacant. Those fights are always the priority.”
Gassiev said his motivation hasn’t changed despite moving up from cruiserweight, where he captured two world titles before falling short in his bid to become the undisputed champion.
“I held two world titles at cruiserweight and fought for the undisputed championship,” Gassiev said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen then. This is a new chapter, and I want to move toward unification fights.”
Asked if he had a preferred opponent among the heavyweight champions, Gassiev declined to call out any one fighter.
“Right now I’m only thinking about getting some rest,” he said. “After that, I’d fight any champion because they have the belts. Every boxer comes into the sport to become a world champion and reach the highest level, which is becoming the undisputed champion.”
Although Gassiev’s long-term objective is to unify the heavyweight titles, he acknowledged that other high-profile fights could become options if the championship picture remains tied up. Among them is British veteran Derek Chisora, who entered the ring following Saturday’s bout.
“If we can’t unify the belts in the near future, why not?” Gassiev said. “Chisora and I have a good relationship. We’re friends. He’s a big name in boxing, and that fight would generate a lot of excitement.”
Before looking ahead, Gassiev admitted his performance against Kadiru wasn’t his sharpest. Multiple opponent changes disrupted his training camp, but he refused to use that as an excuse.
“It was a tough fight. There’s nothing to hide,” Gassiev said. “But when you’re among the top heavyweights, there are no excuses. You have to be ready for everything. That’s professional boxing.”
Gassiev plans to take a short break before discussing his next move. Gassiev plans to take a short break before discussing his next move. A unification bout remains his preferred outcome, although a lucrative fight with Chisora is also a possibility. The 31-year-old says his ultimate objective remains unchanged: collecting heavyweight world titles and earning another opportunity to pursue the undisputed championship.
