Following Tony Yoka’s injury, German heavyweight Peter Kadiru has issued a last-minute challenge to WBA titleholder Murat Gassiev in Russia.
An unexpected opportunity has arisen for Peter Kadiru on Saturday (July 11) in Moscow. The heavyweight from the “Ringside Zone” (RSZ) stable is stepping in at the last minute for Tony Yoka. The Frenchman suffered an injury and will not face WBA champion Murat Gassiev as the challenger as planned.
Winter: “Peter is ready”
Following Oleksandr Usyk’s retirement as WBA Super Champion, Gassiev (33-2-0, 26 KOs) is now the organization’s undisputed world champion. In late 2025, the 32-year-old Russian had captured the secondary, “regular” WBA title with a knockout victory over the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. Gassiev is considered a hard puncher and previously competed in the cruiserweight division, where he also became world champion.
Kadiru (23-1-0, 13 KOs) most recently secured the “WBA Continental Title” on May 15 in Mannheim with a points victory over Senad Gashi. While searching for a replacement opponent for Gassiev, RSZ head Florian Winter managed to secure a spot for his protégé in the world title fight at the VTB Arena in Moscow. “Of course, this fight is coming on short notice. But opportunities like this don’t happen according to plan in the heavyweight division,” Winter explained. “You have to be prepared when a world title fight opens up. Peter is ready.”
“This is my moment”
Even though he’s going into the bout as the underdog, the Hamburg-based professional boxer is optimistic about this unexpected challenge. “Ever since my victory over Senad Gashi, I’ve been in the gym, training hard, and I’m eager to get back in the ring,” Kadiru said. “I’m looking forward to the chance to travel to Russia and fight for the WBA heavyweight world title on July 11. This is my moment. My team and I are fully focused—Moscow should brace itself for a strong performance.”
The technically skilled German is considered one of the most promising German heavyweight prospects. Kadiru was a three-time European champion at the youth and amateur levels, won a silver medal at the World Championships, and took gold at the second Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2014. “I firmly believe in Peter’s potential and determination,” his promoter Florian Winter said via Instagram. “He has the heart of a fighter and the spirit to rise to any challenge.”
Text: Frank Schwantes