Anthony Joshua Targets Murat Gassiev After Potential Tyson Fury Victory

Posted : 02 October 2026

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has set his sights on Murat Gassiev as a potential next opponent if he defeats Tyson Fury in their highly anticipated showdown on December 11, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Joshua revealed his preference following the launch event for the long-awaited British heavyweight clash. When asked which champion he would like to face after beating Fury, the former Olympic gold medallist responded with one name: "Murat Gassiev."

The Joshua-Fury contest, widely described as the Battle of Britain, has been discussed for nearly a decade. Previous negotiations repeatedly failed, but the two British heavyweights are now scheduled to meet in a major showdown that could reshape the division.

The fight is also expected to feature the World Boxing Association's (WBA) vacant super heavyweight title. The reported decision has sparked controversy because Gassiev currently holds the WBA regular heavyweight championship after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his titles in June.

Gassiev previously held the WBA regular belt before becoming the organisation's main heavyweight champion. He defended his title against Germany's Peter Kadiru in July after his original opponent withdrew at short notice.

However, reports that the WBA would return Gassiev to regular champion status to make way for Joshua and Fury prompted an objection from his team. His co-promoter and legal representative, John Wirt, argued that the Russian should be recognised as the rightful contender for the super title rather than two boxers who currently hold no world championship.

Fury has since stated that the WBA super title has been sanctioned for his fight against Joshua. The development could create a pathway for Joshua to face Gassiev if he wins in Cardiff and claims the belt.

Under WBA regulations, a super champion is generally expected to defend against the regular titleholder within 18 months. However, the organisation has previously allowed exceptions, particularly in the heavyweight division. As a result, Joshua's interest in Gassiev does not guarantee that the fight will happen.

Meanwhile, Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that his fighter accepted a substantial pay cut to ensure the contest would take place in the United Kingdom.

Hearn said Joshua turned down more than £10 million to keep the fight in Britain instead of staging it at Madison Square Garden in New York. Cardiff's Principality Stadium was eventually selected, with its retractable roof and large capacity making it suitable for the event.

Saudi boxing organiser Turki Alalshikh reportedly disclosed that moving the fight away from New York cost him €62 million. The event's scheduling also involves accommodating the American television audience.

For Joshua, a victory over Fury could open the door to another major heavyweight contest. Gassiev has now emerged as his stated preference, although the WBA title dispute and future negotiations could determine whether the proposed matchup becomes reality.

Anthony Joshua Targets Murat Gassiev After Potential Tyson Fury Victory

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