Murat Gassiev will defend his WBA heavyweight title on Saturday against Peter Kadiru after original opponent Tony Yoka withdrew due to a back injury. Gassiev, who holds a 33-2 professional record, was recently elevated to full WBA champion status after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt.

Joe Joyce, also fighting on the Moscow card, had been considered for the title shot, but the opportunity has gone to Germany's Peter Kadiru. Kadiru boasts a 23-1 record and is on a nine-fight winning streak since his sole career loss in 2022.

Gassiev expressed his readiness to adapt to the change, noting Kadiru's strength and experience. This development reshapes the heavyweight landscape following Usyk's decision to vacate multiple belts. Joyce, meanwhile, faces Artem Suslenkov on the undercard, looking to rebound after losing four of his last five bouts.