One of the biggest heavyweight contests of the year is set to take place on 11 July at Moscow’s VTB Arena, where WBA heavyweight world champion Murat Gassiev will defend his title against Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka in the main event of IBA PRO 19.

For Gassiev, the bout represents the first defence of the WBA heavyweight crown he claimed at IBA PRO 13 with a sixth-round stoppage victory over veteran Bulgarian contender Kubrat Pulev. That triumph made the Russian the country’s first heavyweight world champion in more than a decade.

Yoka, meanwhile, arrives in Moscow pursuing a historic achievement of his own. The Frenchman is aiming to become the first-ever professional heavyweight world champion from France. An Olympic champion and one of Europe’s most recognisable heavyweight names, Yoka combines an elite amateur pedigree with technical skill, size and knockout power.

With world title ambitions and a place among the heavyweight elite at stake, both men are leaving nothing to chance.

While fans continue to debate how the fight may unfold, Gassiev is entering the final stages of a demanding training camp.

According to head coach Anton Kadushin, preparations have been divided into several phases. The Russian spent three weeks training in Terskol in the Elbrus region before completing a further two weeks at the Olympic Training Centre in Kislovodsk. The mountain camps focused primarily on physical conditioning and endurance, while the team has now shifted its attention to technical and tactical work at its current base near Moscow.

“At this stage we are focused on technical and tactical preparation, improving the quality of Murat’s boxing. We are also spending a lot of time working on mentality and fighting mindset,” Kadushin explained.

Despite already capturing a world title in the division, Kadushin believes Gassiev is still evolving as a heavyweight.

“I believe he has not yet fully adapted to the division, but he is on the right path and is highly motivated to establish himself among the elite heavyweights.”

Outside of camp, Gassiev weighs around 110 kilograms. During training, however, his weight is consistently maintained between 104 and 105 kilograms.

Kadushin credits strength and conditioning coach Ronald Basiev for closely monitoring those physical parameters, while noting that Gassiev’s approach to nutrition has become second nature after years at the highest level.

“Murat knows exactly what he can and cannot eat, and he certainly knows how many pies he is allowed,” Kadushin joked. “His nutritional discipline is excellent.”

As is often the case with heavyweight boxers, fans are curious about strength training numbers and gym records. However, the coaching staff places greater value on functional performance than headline statistics.

Gassiev’s programme includes all major compound lifts alongside extensive kettlebell work, with the overall structure resembling the training methods commonly used by elite weightlifters.

“How much he can bench press is not the important thing,” Kadushin said. “But he handles a 100-kilogram barbell as if it were a broomstick.”

There is a long-standing stereotype that heavyweights dislike running, yet Kadushin insists that does not apply to Gassiev.

Murat regularly completes both short and long-distance runs and genuinely enjoys the work. On occasion, running sessions are replaced by cycling or swimming, but endurance training remains a key element of the programme.

Recovery is treated with equal importance. Massage therapy and sauna sessions form a regular part of the routine, while downtime is often spent walking, playing chess, backgammon or enjoying computer games.

“I always say that the quality of your training depends on the quality of your recovery,” Kadushin noted.

A crucial aspect of camp has been sparring. Following the change of opponent from Michael Hunter to Tony Yoka, the team completely revised its selection of sparring partners.

Several heavyweights from different countries are currently working in camp, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.

Kadushin views the change of opponent not as an increase in difficulty, but as a stylistic adjustment.

“I would not say Yoka is more dangerous. He is simply different stylistically. In my opinion, Hunter is the more experienced professional, while Yoka brings a tremendous Olympic background and greater physical size.”

Yoka enters the fight under the guidance of renowned British trainer Don Charles, who has worked with some of the heavyweight division’s biggest names, including Derek Chisora and current world champion Daniel Dubois.

That is one of the factors Gassiev’s team has taken into account during preparations.

“Everything depends on having quality sparring partners who closely resemble the style of your opponent. Fortunately, we have no issues in that regard. I am confident Murat will accumulate the right experience and preparation for this fight.”

Following his defeat to Otto Wallin, many observers questioned whether Gassiev could return to the top of the heavyweight division. Inside the camp, however, there is a belief that the setback ultimately became a valuable lesson.

Kadushin was not part of the team at the time and prefers not to speculate on the reasons behind the performance, but he is convinced the experience has helped strengthen the former world champion.

“There is no point dwelling on that fight now. What matters is learning from defeat and moving forward. His confidence and mentality are in a very good place.”

For now, the team remains focused exclusively on the challenge immediately ahead.

“We are not looking beyond Yoka. We are completely focused on him. We are open to any opportunities in the future and we are not avoiding anyone. Our job is to train properly, stay healthy and keep winning.”

And the ultimate objective remains unchanged.

“To become the undisputed champion,” Kadushin said.

Tickets for IBA PRO 19 are available at the link.