Manny Pacquiao and Derek Chisora join the weigh-in festivities in Moscow, as the WBA heavyweight title fight between Murat Gassiev and Peter Kadiru takes center stage. The event is a spectacle of anticipation and excitement, with the presence of these boxing legends adding to the allure. The official weigh-in at Depo Tri Vokzala sets the stage for an epic showdown, with Gassiev and Kadiru facing off for the first time before the main event.
Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, is in Russia for the first time, and his presence is a testament to the sport's global appeal. He praises the warm welcome he received, expressing his happiness and surprise at the hospitality. Pacquiao's involvement goes beyond just the main event; he believes the entire card is packed with exciting fights, and his presence will undoubtedly inspire Filipino fighters competing on the show.
The co-main event features Joe Joyce, a former Olympic silver medallist, and Artem Suslenkov, an unbeaten Russian boxer. Joyce, with his height and toughness, is backed by Shannon Briggs, who urges him to use his jab effectively. Briggs also highlights the opportunity for Kadiru, who steps into the ring with a significant weight advantage after replacing Tony Yoka. Kadiru's late entry into the bout adds an intriguing layer to the fight.
Chisora, a British heavyweight, acknowledges the opportunity presented to Kadiru and emphasizes the unpredictability of boxing. He also singles out Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma as the heavyweight contenders to watch, recognizing their potential to cause upsets.
The undercard is equally enticing, featuring a range of fights for various titles. Pavel Sosulin and Eddie Colmenares will battle for the IBA.PRO International super welterweight title, while Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and Kevin Martinez will square off in a 12-round heavyweight bout. The all-Russian heavyweight contest between Murad Khalidov and Arslan Yallyev adds to the local flavor.
As the weigh-in concludes, the anticipation builds for Saturday night's main event. Gassiev, the WBA heavyweight champion, will defend his title against Kadiru, while Joyce and Suslenkov will battle for the WBA Continental heavyweight championship. This event promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and the sheer thrill of boxing, leaving fans eager for the action to unfold.