With the WBC ordering Usyk to face interim champion Kabayel, Gassiev was asked for his thoughts on the potential heavyweight clash.
“Big fight. Big fight. Two different styles. Usyk likes more technical moves using his legs. Kabayel like a tight body puncher, and two different styles that are always interesting to watch,” Gassiev told talkSPORT Boxing.
A few months ago some guy interviewed me and asked my choice. My choice like Kabayel, yes. Because younger, more hungry.
“But Usyk, he is still a strong mentality, strong heart, and I don’t know. My answer like 50/50. 50/50 I think now.”
Gassiev admitted earlier in the interview that he was surprised by Usyk’s performance against Rico Verhoeven last month, suggesting that the unified heavyweight champion may be showing signs of age.
“I was very surprised. I know Usyk wins, but not like this, because very, very hard fights for him. Maybe he is getting a little old, but he is still one of the best fighters in boxing history.”
Kabayel has emerged as one of the division’s top contenders after wins over Frank Sanchez, Arslanbek Makhmudov, Zhilei Zhang and Damian Knyba. Usyk, meanwhile, remains in possession of the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles and is expected to make a decision on the Kabayel fight in the coming months.
