Wilder on Gassiev: "Out of All the Choices, I Would Love for That One to Go"

REPORTED · 🧊 COLD (Gassiev next) · 🔥 WARM (Opetaia Dec. 11)

Deontay Wilder has a favorite on his shortlist, and it isn't the fight everyone is booking him for. The Bronze Bomber told the IBA he has been talking with WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev's camp.

What Wilder actually said

Speaking to IBA, Wilder said: "There is some communication between me and Murat's team for sure, and I would love that. Out of all the choices, I would love for that one to go."

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He added: "He's a great guy, a great champion. He's been to my camps before, and we've sparred." And: "Now I hope we can really get in the ring where it really counts. I would love that. But we'll see what happens. There are so many different moving pieces at this moment."

talkSPORT and BoxingScene also reported the Gassiev talks. Gassiev is 34-2 (27 KOs), per BoxingScene.

Meanwhile, Opetaia is still the fight on the table

Don't cross off Jai Opetaia. Dan Rafael reported the fight was agreed for the Fury-Joshua card on Dec. 11 but not signed (our report). World Boxing News says Wilder confirmed the agreement on Instagram, and talkSPORT says he is still waiting on a contract. Gassiev is a preference; no Gassiev deal has been reported. Sam had his own take here.

Who do you want for Wilder: Gassiev or Opetaia? Lock in your call on Fight Picks, or find more games at /play.

You didn't hear it from me… 🤫