The WBA has ordered the unbeaten 20-year-old to face Iron, 32, after the Russian stopped Kubrat Pulev, 44, to win the WBA ‘regular’ belt, but The Wrecking Ball is also in line for a WBC final eliminator against Lawrence Okolie, 33, leaving his next move unclear.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gassiev co-promoter Al Siesta said: “Going into the fight with Kubrat Pulev there was a lot of talk about what Murat Gassiev had left. It has been a frustrating period for him with injuries and inactivity, but we believed in his ability.
“We delivered the Pulev bout and he repaid our faith with a spectacular knockout. For me, the most brutal knockout of 2025.”
Gassiev - a former unified cruiserweight world champion - announced himself at heavyweight with a destructive sixth-round finish in Dubai, reigniting talk of major fights across the division.
Siesta has insisted the Russian is now ready for anyone at world level.
He said: “Gassiev is back to his best. His injury problems are behind him and now he is ready to take on the best in the world: anyone, anytime, anywhere.
“There was, of course, an order by the WBA for Moses Itauma to face the winner of Pulev vs Gassiev, with a lot of talk beforehand. But since Gassiev’s performance, it’s gone very quiet.”
Itauma, widely viewed as one of Britain’s brightest heavyweight prospects, is preparing to face Jermaine Franklin, 32, in Manchester on January 24, 2026, while also weighing up the WBC route against Okolie.
Siesta believes that choice speaks volumes.
He said: “They would have jumped at the chance to face a 44-year-old Kubrat Pulev, but a prime, heavy-hitter like Murat Gassiev? I know the game.
“I can see why Frank Warren wouldn’t want to put his ‘Golden Boy’ in with Murat. We take it as a compliment.
“However, if Itauma is ready to step up and face a real challenge, we would welcome him for Murat’s first defence.”
Should the Itauma fight fail to materialise, Gassiev’s team are already eyeing major British names, including Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua and WBO champion Fabio Wardley.
Siesta said: “It is Murat’s dream to fight in London, especially Wembley Stadium.
“If Itauma isn’t ready, then Derek Chisora has already demanded the fight. What a story that would be — a WBA title fight in Derek’s 50th bout.
“Murat Gassiev is back: bigger, better and badder than ever, and ready to conquer the UK.”
