According to coach Anton Kadushin, the Russian heavyweight is focusing on his ‘competitive mindset’ ahead of his bout with the former French Olympic champion on 11 July in Moscow as part of an International Boxing Association card.
With just over five weeks to go until the first defence of the World Boxing Association heavyweight title he claimed on 13 December, following a sixth-round technical knockout victory over Kubrat Pulev at IBA PRO 13, Murat Gassiev is focusing on his mental preparation.
The victory made Gassiev the first Russian to hold a world heavyweight title in 13 years. The Dagestani fighter has since completed altitude training camps in Terskol and Kislovodsk before moving on to technical and tactical preparations near Moscow.
This phase has also required Gassiev to adapt to a change of opponent after Michael Hunter, his original scheduled challenger, was replaced by Yoka. In response, Kadushin’s coaching team has adjusted its selection of sparring partners to better mirror the Frenchman’s style and physical attributes, with his size and reach allowing him to control distance effectively.
“At this stage, we are focusing on technical and tactical preparation and improving the quality of Murat’s boxing. We are also spending a lot of time working on mentality and competitive mindset,” said Kadushin.
The coach considers mental preparation to be a key factor in ensuring that Gassiev is in peak condition for the fight, which will take place at Moscow’s VTB Arena with the backing of the home crowd. However, he also noted that this increases responsibility and pressure.
For Gassiev, this is a significant opportunity given his status as the Russian world champion, a title he has held for many years. For Yoka, victory would make him the first French boxer to win a heavyweight world title, so it is equally significant for him.
The 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist brings elite credentials, size and experience to one of the most hotly anticipated heavyweight clashes of the year at IBA PRO 19, an event designed to launch the careers of many fighters.
Physical preparation remains a key aspect of training camp, which will continue until the weigh-in in Moscow the day before the fight. Although Gassiev typically weighs around 110 kilograms outside of training camp, he maintains a fighting weight of 104–105 kilograms under the guidance of strength and conditioning coach Ronald Basiev.
“Murat knows exactly what he can and cannot eat, and he certainly knows how many pies he is allowed,” joked Kadushin, adding that “his nutritional discipline is excellent”.
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