Murat Gassiev and Yunier Dorticos were involved in a thriller in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series which lived up to fan expectations.
In a battle going into it where Cuban Dorticos might have done a little more trash talking than Gassiev would have liked, the latter made him pay for it by dropping him three times in the final round on route to a final round knockout victory.
The Russian improved his record to 26-0 (19KO) with the win and retained his IBF title as well as adding the WBA strap on route to the final of the WBSS where he will now box for the Muhammad Ali trophy against Oleksandr Usyk.
In truth it was an incredible fight from start to finish.
One where Dorticos also fought his heart out and showed incredible toughness but it was just not to be against Gassiev who just had that little bit more.
Gassiev also showed that he is not just a big puncher in this fight. An intelligent puncher who’s defensively strong and surprisingly speedy.
Following the bout here is the moment the two finalists met one another face to face afterwards:
Our two finalists meet in the ring ahead of the Finals in Jeddah ?#GassievDorticos ? #AliTrophy pic.twitter.com/0dt2HrF3aw
— World Boxing Super Series (@WBSuperSeries) February 3, 2018
Roll on the final.
