Denis Lebedev will defend his cruiserweight title on December 3rd against Murat Gassiev, according to Dan Rafael.
“I wish for my opponent to have a good training camp. I will see you in the ring,” said Lebedev (29-2, 22 KOs), a southpaw who has made six title defenses.
Said Vadim Kornilov, Lebedev’s manager: “This is a very tough opponent and we are taking extra steps in camp to make sure Denis is prepared better than ever.”
Gassiev is trained by Abel Sanchez, the 2015 Boxing Writers Association Trainer of the Year, and trains alongside good friend and unified middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin.
“I think we have the skills and the power,” Sanchez said. “This young man has everything that is needed to become champion. The only issue in my mind, and I have said this to him, is the situation. He has never been in a big fight like this, and Lebedev has been in big fights. I think Gassiev will be able to handle the situation. I think it’s time for a new champion. This kid is the next Golovkin out of my gym.”
“I have a hard time getting Gassiev sparring because he’s so good,” Sanchez said. “He has a long way to go skill-wise, but he is very good and will be a lot better in the future. Lebedev is older and has had a lot of difficult fights. Gassiev has to take it to him. He has done really well since he’s been with me. Hopefully that will continue with this fight.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a difficult fight for both guys. It’s an older guy with a lot of wars but a lot of experience against a young up-and-coming guy looking to make a name for himself.”