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Murat Gassiev eliminates Yunier Dorticos in WBSS semi-final, sets up showdown with Oleksandr Usyk

Written by Keeran Rajan on 4th February 2018.

Murat Gassiev stopped Yunier Dorticos last night in their thrilling World Boxing Super Series semi-final.

The Russian power punching knockout sensation forced the stoppage of the game Cuban in the fight’s finale. There were three knockdowns in the fight’s final round as Gassiev finally settled the score between the dangerous cruiserweight contenders.

The unification clash in Sochi, Russia was called to a halt after Dorticos went through the bottom strand of rope with only seventeen seconds of the fight remaining.

The Cuban, Dorticos was very loud in the build-up to this semi final, but as we approached the middle rounds it became clear he was out of his depth and was beginning to fade.

With this victory, Gassiev has now recorded back to back knockouts in the cruiserweight WBSS. Following his kayo over Wlodarczyk in the tournament’s quarter final stage.

Gassiev’s gameplan from the offset was to be smart and box cautiously. He had to be alert at all times with the aggressive Cuban opposite him was looking to come forward and trade the leather.

Gassiev slowly dismantled Dorticos over the course of the fight. The Russian’s power and accuracy proving crucial in the matchup and it was made evident with Dorticos being visibly hurt in both the fifth and eleventh rounds.

But Gassiev who has made his name as a hunter killer inside the squared circle, he is trained by Abel Sanchez the same man who has led Gennady Golovkin to the top of the middleweight mountain.

He sought to live up to his billing and attempt to get his man out of there. With one minute and twenty-five seconds remaining in the fight’s final round. Gassiev unfurled a venemous left hook which literally obliterated Dorticos and sent him slamming into the canvas on his back.

Dorticos bravely beat the count but another left hook once again fell the Cuban. Dorticos attempted to us movement following the second knockdown still shaken by the left hands. The Russian showed off his killer instinct in front of his rapturous home crowd however, he sent Dorticos through the ropes following a combination.

Gassiev said following the fight, “I didn’t feel I [would] finish him because he has the heart of a warrior and he never gave up. He took punches, but he continued fighting.”

“He did a great job,” Gassiev said of Dorticos. “He’s a great champion. He’s really a very hard hitter. I respect him a lot.”

“I hope he’s good, he’s healthy after [the] fight and good luck with his professional career.”

Victory for Gassiev ensured that he will face off with 2012 heavyweight Olympic Gold medalist, Oleksandr Usyk on May 11th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s final.

As if you needed anymore reasons to be excited ahead of the mouthwatering showdown. The final will see for the first time ever an undisputed world cruiserweight champion.

Uysk currently holds the WBC and WBO titles while Gassiev holds the WBA and IBF versions of the title.

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