Overview
- Peter Kadiru agreed to replace Tony Yoka and will fight WBA champion Murat Gassiev in the main event on Saturday, July 11 at VTB Arena in Moscow.
- Yoka withdrew with a back injury, and promoters and the IBA confirmed Kadiru as the late replacement to keep the world-title bout on the card.
- Kadiru became eligible for a WBA world shot after winning the WBA Continental title on May 15, which moves a fighter into the association's top-15 window when rankings are published.
- The 29-year-old German enters the fight with a 23-1 record and 13 KOs and a strong amateur background, while Gassiev is a powerful 33-2 puncher who was elevated to WBA champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished belts.
- A Kadiru victory would make him a German heavyweight world champion and could reshape contender paths in a heavyweight landscape altered by Usyk's title relinquishment, while both camps say they are ready despite the short notice.