Back-to-back doubleheader Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals in Orlando and New Orleans: Rodriguez vs Moloney and Dorticos vs Masternak … continue
The eight great Cruiserweight contenders and match-ups for Season II’s Muhammad Ali Trophy Season One stars Mairis … continue
Both Mairis Briedis and Yunier Dorticos lost their semi-finals with great honour – Here are their interesting … continue
The “semi-final” label attached to this fight may be taking some of the glamor and luster away. The WBSS tourney has proved to be a great platform for premium boxing and has matched the best against the best, a rarity in our sport.
We have a final: Gassiev beats Dorticos to face Usyk in Jeddah
Russia’s Murat Gassiev dropped Yunier Dorticos three times in the 12th round and dramatically stopped the previously unbeaten Cuban with just eight seconds remaining of a highly entertaining Ali Trophy semi-final at Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia.
Tonight in Russia, in the second semifinal of the WBSS cruiserweight tournament, Russian hero and defending IBF champ Murat Gassiev added the WBA crown to his name as he sensationally stopped Cuba’s Yunier Dorticos in the 12th and final round of an incredible battle.
Having hurt Dorticos with a huge left hook that sent the Cuban down on his back, Gassiev blasted away with his bombs, scoring a further two knockdowns, the final one forcing referee Eddie Claudio to halt the fight. Time was 2:52 of the very last round.
The second semifinal of the World Boxing Super Series takes place this Saturday night in Sochi, Russia. On paper, this cruiserweight matchup between Murat Gassiev and Yunier Dorticos is by far the best opportunity of producing a fight of the year outcome. Both men have legit one-punch power as proven in recent fights. Prior to the WBSS neither fighter had much of a chance to secure large paydays against high-end talent. Now they find themselves a win away from an opportunity to become undisputed outright.
IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (90,3 kg) (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (90,7 kg) (22-0, 21 KOs) made weight ahead of Saturday’s Ali Trophy semi-final at the Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi.
“I would like to thank every who came to the weigh-in,” said Gassiev. “I don’t feel any pressure at all. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my family, friends, and fans.”
IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) entertained a big crowd at the public workout in Sochi before the Ali Trophy semi-final on Saturday at the Bolshoy Ice Dome. “It was great to feel the support of so many people. The fans are really excited about this fight,“ said Gassiev.
The Ali Trophy semi-final bout in the cruiserweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series between IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) takes place at the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia on February 3, 2018.
“The consistent growth of our tournament concept keeps attracting major sports investors. Comosa is very proud to bring the Ali Trophy semi-final to Sochi,” said Comosa’s CEO, Roberto Dalmiglio.