Gassiev awaits WBA ruling on heavyweight title

Murat Gassiev says he has received no formal clarification from the World Boxing Association about the status of his heavyweight title, as reports that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua may contest a WBA belt remain unconfirmed by an official ruling. The Russian boxer said he had received no messages or paperwork from the WBA and was waiting to learn what would happen. He said he did not know whether the December 11 Fury-Joshua fight in Cardiff would involve the title he holds. Gassiev also said he wants to fight the winner and believes he should meet that boxer for the championship. Reports that Fury and Joshua would fight for the WBA super title have raised questions about Gassiev’s status. He said he was surprised by the news, but did not claim to know the WBA’s decision. The accounts do not establish that the bout will be for his belt, and no formal WBA resolution is reported. Gassiev previously held the WBA’s regular heavyweight title and was elevated to super champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, according to the reports. The WBA distinguishes between its super and regular titles.