Gassiev Elevated to WBA Heavyweight Champion; Yoka Withdraws from Defense

Murat GassievPlayer·Murat Gassiev has been officially elevated to the status of full WBACompetition·WBA Heavyweight Champion, a significant development that follows Oleksandr UsykPlayer·Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate his remaining world titles. The announcement, made by the IBACompetition·IBA, arrived on July 3, 2026, just days before Gassiev's scheduled bout.

However, the day brought both triumph and immediate challenge for the former cruiserweight champion. Hours after securing his new status, it was confirmed that Gassiev would require a new opponent for his inaugural title defense. Tony YokaPlayer·Tony Yoka, the French boxer, has withdrawn from their July 11 contest in MoscowVenue·Moscow due to a back injury, as reported by ESPN and The Ring.

With the IBACompetition·IBA.PRO 19 event still slated for July 11, organizers are actively seeking a replacement. Joe JoycePlayer·Joe Joyce, the British heavyweight with a professional record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and 15 knockouts, has emerged as a leading candidate. Joyce is already scheduled to compete on the same fight card against Artem SuslenkovPlayer·Artem Suslenkov, which could facilitate a swift change. However, this potential matchup would see a fighter who has lost his last two bouts, and four of his previous five, challenging for a world title.

Gassiev's journey to the heavyweight summit has been marked by both formidable performances and notable setbacks. Once a dominant force in the cruiserweight division, his first major test after losing to Oleksandr UsykPlayer·Oleksandr Usyk in the World Boxing Super SeriesCompetition·World Boxing Super Series finals saw him drop an unconvincing decision to Otto WallinPlayer·Otto Wallin in 2023. Subsequent victories over Ken LeungqvistPlayer·Ken Leungqvist and Jeremiah MiltonPlayer·Jeremiah Milton paved the way for a crucial encounter with Kubrat PulevPlayer·Kubrat Pulev. In December 2025, Gassiev secured the WBACompetition·WBA "regular" championship by delivering a powerful left hook in the sixth round, knocking out Pulev after the Bulgarian had controlled the preceding rounds.

His elevation to full champion status fulfills a stated ambition. "I will be proud to bring the WBACompetition·WBA title back to Russia," Gassiev declared in October 2025. Now, with the belt firmly in his possession, the focus shifts to securing a suitable challenger for his first defense and solidifying his position at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.