Gassiev-Shimmell eliminator set for PBC on FS1, 5/17

Cruiserweights Murat Gassiev and Jordan Shimmell will meet in an IBF eliminator bout on May 17, televised live on FS1 as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series, with the winner in line to face either Denis Lebedev or Victor Ramirez, who meet on May 21 in a title unification fight in Russia.

Gassiev (22-0, 16 KO) was seen in a PBC on Spike fight in December, going to a no contest with fellow unbeaten prospect Isiah Thomas, a fight that ended after the third round, when Gassiev landed a punch after the bell and Thomas was unable to continue.

Shimmell (20-1, 16 KO) is a midwestern fighter with a pretty soft record, his biggest fight coming last July against Isiah Thomas, in fact. Thomas won a wide 10-round decision in Las Vegas.

Shimmell, a four-time Michigan Golden Gloves winner as a heavyweight, said, "I’m excited to get back in the ring and fight in another televised bout. I know I’m in there with a tough, strong opponent, but with my skills and ability it shouldn’t be a problem.

"I have seen Jordan Shimmell in the ring, and I feel like this is a good fight for me," Gassiev said. "I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring after the mistake I made [in my] last fight. I’m going to be real sharp on May 17, and I will not disappoint."

Gassiev-Shimmell will be held at Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, Minnesota. Also on the card, heavyweight prospect Wes Nofire (19-0, 15 KO) will take on local veteran Joey Abell (31-9, 29 KO), and welterweight Javontae Starks (13-1, 7 KO) will face Yordenis Ugas (15-3, 7 KO) in an eight-round bout.