Wilder Open To Boxing Gassiev

X: @ringmagazine

While the Usyk negotiations are the priority, Wilder is also keeping his options open with a potential fight against Gassiev. Wilder was recently ringside in Dubai to witness Gassiev’s  sixth-round knockout of Kubrat Pulev, a victory that earned the Russian the WBA’s “regular” heavyweight belt. Wilder praised Gassiev’s performance and noted that a fight between them would be something he is open to.

“I would love to fight to with the IBA. Congratulations to Gassiev, I think that would be an amazing fight. We used to spar together and stuff and I even enjoyed him and loved him as a cruiserweight as well. He was very fast, very strong and confident,” Wilder said 

The Approach

Wilder would use his significant reach advantage to keep Gassiev at the end of his jab. The goal isn’t necessarily to damage Gassiev with the lead hand, but to obstruct his vision and measure the distance for the right hand. He might intentionally drop his lead hand or throw a lazy jab to bait Gassiev into lunging forward. The moment Gassiev commits to closing the gap, Wilder would take a half-step back or to the side to create the perfect 1-2 angle for his straight right.

Gassiev is known for a “peek-a-boo” style defense. He would look to catch Wilder’s straight shots on his gloves and forearms, marching forward relentlessly to take away Wilder’s ability to fire the right hand. Wilder has historically been weak to the body. Gassiev’s greatest weapon is his left hook to the liver. As Wilder throws a long right hand, Gassiev would duck underneath the arc, step inside, and bury a left hook into Wilder’s ribs. This would sap Wilder’s stamina and force him to drop his elbows, leaving his chin open for an overhand.