Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Włodarczyk
Boxing match
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Włodarczyk was a professional boxing match contested on October 21, 2017, for the IBF cruiserweight championship.[1]
Murat Gassiev | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date | October 21, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venue | Prudential Center, Newark, U.S. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title(s) on the line | IBF cruiserweight title | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tale of the tape | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Result | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gassiev defeats Włodarczyk in the 3rd round via KO | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Background
At the WBSS Draft Gala, which took place on 8 July in Monte Carlo, although Gassiev was second-seeded, meaning he could pick whom he wanted to fight, his choice was pre-determined to be former IBF and WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk by the IBF, in a mandatory fight.[2][3] It was announced on 8 September that the fight would take place in Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on 21 October 2017. One of the main factors for the fight taking place in New Jersey was the Polish population in that state.[4][5]
The fight
Gassiev was in control the opening two rounds working away on Włodarczyk. Midway through round 3, having Włodarczyk against the ropes, Gassiev connected with a left uppercut to the head, which was immediately followed by a left to the body, dropping Włodarczyk on all fours, flat on the canvas. Włodarczyk, clearly in pain, failed to beat the 10 count. The official time of stoppage was 1:57 of the round.
Aftermath
Gassiev, who was pleased with his performance, said, "I had a great opponent tonight. I prepared myself for a tough fight, but it is boxing, and anything can happen. We do a lot of work in the gym, and I just listened to my coach round after round, and he told me what I needed to do. That's all I needed." Włodarczyk accepted defeat admitting the better man won.[6][7]
With the win, Gassiev moved on to the semifinals to face fellow seed Yuniel Dorticos, who entered the ring and faced off with Gassiev.[8]
Undercard
Confirmed bouts:[9]
