‘Boxing lesson’… Murat Gassiev reveals what happened in his sparring sessions with Wladimir Klitschko years before Tony Yoka fight

EXCLUSIVE: Murat Gassiev has given a fascinating insight into the truth behind his sparring sessions with Wladimir Klitschko.

On July 11, the WBA heavyweight world champion will put his title on the line against Tony Yoka at IBA Pro 19 inside the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia.

Murat Gassiev opens up about sparring Wladimir Klitschko

In 2026, the world knows Murat Gassiev as the monstrous puncher who sent shivers down the spines of every opponent he faced at cruiserweight en route to unifying the division before heading up to heavyweight, where he recently detonated a ferocious left hook on the chin of Kubrat Pulev to win a belt there too.

However, long before he became a fan favourite in the sport, he was just a prospect desperate to soak up the advice of his heroes. And during his time in the ring with ‘Dr Steelhammer’ he honed the skills that eventually made him one of the most dangerous competitors on the planet.

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During an exclusive interview with Sporf, Gassiev reminisced: “When I was 20-years-old during my first time in the US, I was looking around and I was shocked, it was a new country. My coach asked me, ‘Do you want to spar with Wladimir Klitschko‘? I said, ‘Yes, of course, let’s go’. We went to Miami, and we had a couple of sparring sessions, and he beat me like it was a unanimous decision. But it didn’t matter because he’s a legend. Of course he beat me, I was young, I went for a boxing lesson and to see the atmosphere and be around the aura of a champion with a big team and lots of sparring partners. For me, it was a very good moment in my heart. I was very happy with this. I also sparred with Deontay Wilder; he’s a great person, very friendly and respectful. To spend time and share the ring with these legends is a big present for me.”

Murat Gassiev on whether he can KO Tony Yoka

With Oleksandr Usyk vacating all his heavyweight world titles, Gassiev is now in the prime position to be elevated to WBA super champion. However, for now, his main focus is on the man in front of him.

Despite believing he has the capability of rendering his opponent unconscious, the powerhouse is going into this one having gone the extra mile in camp to ensure he comes out on top no matter what happens.

Gassiev explained: “I don’t think about the knockout or the perfect punch. I always train hard and prepare for 12 rounds. But like I’ve said many times in the heavyweight division, our weights are more than 100kg. One punch and the fight can finish. I can’t see the future, but I will be ready for anything in the ring.”

Featured Image Credit: IBA