Peter Kadiru to Challenge Murat Gassiev for WBA Heavyweight Title in Moscow

German heavyweight Peter Kadiru, 29, will face Russian champion Murat Gassiev in Moscow for the WBA heavyweight world title after French Olympian Tony Yoka withdrew with a back injury. The bout, scheduled for early July at the VTB Arena, marks Gassiev’s first defense since being promoted to the full WBA heavyweight champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s vacating of the belts.

Kadiru, a former WBA Continental heavyweight champion with a 23‑1 record, steps in on short notice, having earned his continental title by defeating Senad Gashi on May 15. Promoter Ringside Zone and the IBA announced the matchup, noting Kadiru’s strong amateur pedigree – three European junior titles, youth‑world silver and 2014 Youth Olympic gold. Gassiev, a former cruiserweight champion (33‑2), expressed confidence: “I will keep the WBA world heavyweight title in Russia.” Kadiru said, “This is my moment; I’m ready.”

If Kadiru wins, he could become Germany’s second heavyweight world champion, joining Agit Kabayel, who holds the WBC title. The fight draws interest in both Germany and Russia and adds a notable storyline to the summer boxing calendar.