Details of preparation, advice from Valuev and revenge with Usik: what are discussed before the fight Gassiev - Seferi

24 hours are left before the boxing tournament in Sochi, which will host the return of Russian Murat Gassiev to the ring in a duel with Albanian Nuri Seferi.

Both athletes have already arrived in the city and held a press conference, which took place in a video format with the participation of promoter Vladimir Khryunov, former WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev and other experts.

Before answering questions, the boxers had a traditional duel of views.

She did without incident, future rivals shook hands, and then shared their expectations from the upcoming meeting.

The last time Gassiev entered the ring was in July 2018.

Then he lost to the Ukrainian Alexander Usik in the fight for the title of the absolute world champion in the first heavy weight.

During this time, the Russian tried to keep himself in shape, but a shoulder injury prevented a full return.

He admitted that it was hard for him without real competition, so meeting Seferi will be special for him.

“Of course, I really want to return to the ring as soon as possible.

It is very important.

As for my well-being, everything is in order, thank God, ”TASS quotes Gassieva.

The former IBF and WBA World First Heavyweight Champion will try his hand at the heavyweight division for the first time.

Murat noted that the division change did not become a problem for him, since he had sparred with his representatives before.

“I saw nothing unusual in them: the same blows, the same technique.

Maybe only they differ in size.

With the transition to another weight category, I may have become a little slower, ”explained Gassiev.

He also said that most of the training process, which began in mid-September, took place in Moscow, and then he arrived in Kislovodsk, where he worked in the highlands under the guidance of his first mentor Vitaly Slanov.

Summing up, the Russian noted that the preparation was successful, but it is too early to draw any conclusions.

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Also, the Russian paid tribute to the opponent.

“A sudden change of opponent is not good for any boxer.

I can say that now I am focused on the upcoming enemy.

Seferi is a good, experienced boxer, ”Gassiev added.

Recall that during the preparation, the Russian had two rivals.

Initially, he was supposed to meet with ex-contender for the WBC world title, Kevin Johnson.

However, two weeks ago it became known that the American had abandoned this fight.

According to Khryunov, he was unable to fly to Russia due to problems with his passport.

“Johnson now lives in Germany.

When he received a visa to travel to Russia, a story from 2004 surfaced.

He has a big debt for alimony there, so he was not given his passport, ”explained Khryunov.

Johnson was to be replaced by the WBF and UBO intercontinental heavyweight and first heavyweight champion Sefer Seferi.

However, ten days ago, a representative of the gym where the Albanian trains was diagnosed with the coronavirus, and he was also forced to withdraw from participation.

Then the boxer was replaced by his older brother Nuri.

“I am grateful to everyone who invited me to this fight.

It is a great honor to be in Sochi and take part in the tournament.

As for the fight, it will be one of the toughest fights of my career.

Gassiev is a tough opponent, but I came to win ... I would like to show everything I can do now, ”Seferi said at a press conference.

Gassiev is considered the favorite of the upcoming battle.

However, experts urge not to write off the Albanian, as there will be no pressure on him, which means he will feel freer.

And although Seferi had less time to prepare, the Russian could also be hampered by the frequent change of rivals.

“It's good that Murat won't have to lose weight, you will be in your category.

Count on the force of the blow, figure out the maneuvers - and everything will be fine.

I also want to support Seferi.

We literally write him off here, but he came as if to war.

In his expressions, the meaning is to put everything on the altar for the sake of victory ... Everything will be decided in the ring, "Valuev said.

It is too early to talk about who will become the next opponent of Gassiev, but Khryunov revealed what tasks the boxer faces after moving to a new division.

“Our goals with Gassiev in the heavyweight division are fights with the tops.

With Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury.

You can fill a tambourine with some Deontay Wilder.

We really want to organize a fight in Vladikavkaz, native to Murat.

But, unfortunately, the stadium has not yet been completed.

When he is ready, he will be completely scored for Gassiev's fight.

And this will be an event, ”Sport24 quotes Khryunov.

At the same time, Gassiev himself is not against holding a revenge with Usik, whose next fight will also take place on October 31.

The rival of the Ukrainian will be Briton Derek Chisora.

“If we have a rematch, it will be a great fight.

But now I cannot talk about it, because we have different confrontations, different levels.

He is currently focused on Derek, I - on Seferi.

Let's see what will happen after our battles, ”said the Russian.