Three major names from the world of boxing added further attention to the IBA PRO 19 weigh-in ceremony in Moscow, as Manny Pacquiao, Shannon Briggs and Dereck Chisora attended the final pre-fight formalities ahead of Saturday’s event at VTB Arena.

The official weigh-in took place on 10 July at Depo. Tri Vokzala, where the fighters made weight and came face-to-face for the final time before fight night.

WBA heavyweight world champion Murat Gassiev (RUS) will defend his title against Peter Kadiru (GER) in the main event, while Artem Suslenkov (RUS) meets Joe Joyce (GBR) in the 12-round heavyweight co-main event for the WBA Continental title.

Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao said he was impressed by the reception he received in Moscow during his first visit to Russia.

“I am so happy and surprised because of the warm welcome from the people of Russia,” Pacquiao said. “This is my first time here, and it is a great experience for me.”

Pacquiao also said he expected IBA PRO 19 to deliver an entertaining fight night for fans, pointing not only to the main event but to the strength of the full card.

“Not only the main event, but there are a lot of very good fights on the card,” Pacquiao said. “I am sure, 100 per cent, that the fans will be happy.”

Pacquiao added that his presence could provide extra encouragement to the fighters from the Philippines competing on the card.

“It gives support and encouragement to the fighters who are going to fight, especially the Filipino fighter,” he said.

Former WBO heavyweight world champion Shannon Briggs also highlighted the main event and said he was looking forward to seeing Gassiev back in action.

“The main event is what I am looking forward to,” Briggs said. “He is a tough fighter. I have seen him fight before, and I am very excited. I am happy to be here.”

Briggs also praised the co-main event between Suslenkov and Joyce, noting the British heavyweight’s size, experience and connection with trainer SugarHill Steward.

“I told Joe when I saw him: use your jab,” Briggs said. “He has the height, and he is very tough. He has SugarHill with him now, so I am sure Sugar will add something and make him even better. That is a great fight as well, and I am looking forward to it.”

British heavyweight Dereck Chisora said he was enjoying his return to Moscow and looked ahead to the opportunity now facing Kadiru in the main event.

Kadiru stepped in after Tony Yoka (FRA) was forced to withdraw from the scheduled title bout due to a back injury.

“Peter has a big opportunity now, and he cannot miss it,” Chisora said. “You never know in boxing. That is one thing we know about boxing — you never know.”

Chisora also reflected on the current heavyweight landscape and identified Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma as two of the names to watch in the next generation of the division.

“Moses and Daniel are the guys to watch right now,” Chisora said. “They are the two guys in the division who can trouble anyone.”

With the weigh-in complete and the final face-offs concluded, IBA PRO 19 is set for Saturday night at VTB Arena. The card will bring together world title action, leading heavyweight contenders, rising names and IBA Bare Knuckle bouts on one programme.

Tickets for IBA PRO 19 are available via the official ticketing page.