Murat Gassiev vs Mike Balogun Fight Result and Review 

Murat Gassiev’s inactivity is remarkable, even by modern standards. He has only completed three fights since his World Boxing Super Series final defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2018 for the unified cruiserweight crown. Even more remarkably, his punching acumen combined with the lack of quality of the opponents means he has only completed 5 full rounds for those 3 fights.

Mike Balogun’s career is similarly enigmatic, approaching 10 years as an unbeaten American heavyweight pro, without taking on any names recognizable to even the most ardent of fight fans. 

So, Friday’s encounter in Armenia represented a crossroads moment in the careers of both men. A loss could be catastrophic, but a win could provide the necessary oomph to actualize their respective potentials in the game. More was at stake than the WBA Inter-Continental trinket. 

Fight Review 

Murat Gassiev barely threw a punch throughout most of the fight. He was just charging up that big right hook, which dramatically called a halt to proceedings and earned the Russian victory over Mike Balogun.

It was another contest that doesn’t fully paint for us how Gassiev will look in the heavyweight picture for years to come. Many online observers were shocked that he was still only 29 years of age, 10 years the junior of his American opponent on the night. However, his ring generalship to force Balogun onto the backfoot without even having to fire shots off suggests he could have an ominous aura of obliteration, wherever he chooses to go next.