“I would not say Yoka is more dangerous.” Murat Gassiev's coach Kadushin on boxer's training camp
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 05 Jun 2026
Lausanne, Switzerland — One of the biggest heavyweight contests of the year is set for 11 July at Moscow’s VTB Arena, where WBA Heavyweight World Champion Murat Gassiev will defend his title against Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka in the main event of IBA PRO 19.
The bout marks the first defence of the WBA heavyweight title Gassiev won with a sixth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev at IBA PRO 13, becoming Russia’s first heavyweight world champion in more than a decade.
Yoka arrives with ambitions of making history as the first French professional heavyweight world champion. The Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist brings elite credentials, size and experience into one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of the year.
According to head coach Anton Kadushin, Gassiev’s training camp has included altitude training in Terskol and Kislovodsk before shifting focus to technical and tactical preparation near Moscow.
“At this stage we are focused on technical and tactical preparation, improving the quality of Murat’s boxing. We are also spending a lot of time working on mentality and fighting mindset,” Kadushin said.
Physical conditioning remains a major focus of the camp. While Gassiev weighs approximately 110 kilograms outside training, his weight is maintained between 104 and 105 kilograms during camp under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Ronald Basiev.
“Murat knows exactly what he can and cannot eat, and he certainly knows how many pies he is allowed,” Kadushin said with a smile. “His nutritional discipline is excellent.”
Sparring has also played a critical role in camp. Following the change of opponent from Michael Hunter to Tony Yoka, the coaching staff adjusted its selection of sparring partners to better replicate Yoka’s style and physical profile.
“I would not say Yoka is more dangerous. He is simply different stylistically,” Kadushin said. “In my opinion, Hunter is the more experienced professional, while Yoka brings a tremendous Olympic background and greater physical size.”
Read the full article on the IBA website.
Tickets for IBA PRO 19 are available via the official ticketing platform
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