Gassiev takes over WBA after Usyk's departure: new king in heavyweight division
Russian heavyweight Murat Gassiev officially became WBA world champion without throwing a single punch — after Oleksandr Usyk left the title vacant.
Murat Gassiev officially became WBA heavyweight world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his titles. The WBA's decision took effect on September 12, 2025, when the organization confirmed the transfer of the belts to the Russian without the need for a fight. 2 after Usyk, automatically making him the successor after the Ukrainian moved up to bridgerweight.
