Gassiev’s Co-Promoter – on Itauma: “Warren Doesn’t Want to Put the Golden Boy Against Murat”

The co-promoter of the regular WBA Heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev, Albert Siesta, stated his readiness to hold a bout between the Russian and Moses Itauma.

“Of course, there was an order from the WBA to have a fight between Moses Itauma and the winner of the Pulev – Gassiev pair, and our friends from Queensberry Promotions talked a lot about it. But after Gassiev’s devastating performance, everything seemed to go quiet. Now there are talks about the Itauma – Lawrence Okolie fight.

For me, this is not a coincidence. They would have gladly agreed to a duel with the 44-year-old Kubrat Pulev, but with such a fighter in his prime and a powerful puncher like Murat Gassiev? I know this game and understand why Frank Warren doesn't want to put his golden boy against Murat. We take it as a compliment.

However, if Itauma is ready to step up and take a real challenge, we would be happy to see him as the opponent in Murat’s first title defense. It would be a spectacular fight. Murat is ready to fight anyone and has the power to knock out any heavyweight in the world.

We can hold this duel anywhere: in Moscow, Dubai, London, or on the Moon. Murat is a world champion, a man of the people, and he is ready to showcase his abilities to a global audience,” said Siesta.

Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) became the regular champion after a stoppage victory over Kubrat Pulev on December 12, 2025. On the eve of this meeting, the WBA sanctioned the fight between Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) and the winner of this pair.