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Yunier Dorticos may be more outspoken, calling Saturday’s opponent Murat Gassiev his “next victim,” but Gassiev will have home field advantage when the two meet on Saturday in the World Boxing Super Series semifinal, with the winner moving on to face Oleksandr Usyk in a full, four-belt unification of the cruiserweight division this spring.
IBF titleholder Gassiev (25-0, 18 KO) has obvious respect for his opponent, but says he’s ready to defend his home turf when he faces the Cuban this weekend.
“Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” Gassiev said. “He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.
”The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday, I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”