Oleksandr Usyk Dominates Murat Gassiev to Become Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion

Oleksandr Usyk completed one of the finest runs in cruiserweight history on July 21, 2018, defeating Murat Gassiev by unanimous decision in the final of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series at Moscow's Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia.

What happened?

Before a crowd of roughly 24,000, referee Celestino Ruiz oversaw a fight that crowned the first undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era. Judges Robin Taylor (120-108), Mauro Di Fiore (119-109), and Philippe Verbeke (119-109) all sided comfortably with Usyk after a one-sided boxing display.

Why it matters for Oleksandr Usyk

The bout carried enormous significance. Usyk entered the ring holding the WBC and WBO cruiserweight titles after victories over Marco Huck and Mairis Briedis in the WBSS tournament, while Gassiev brought the WBA (Super) and IBF championships following knockout wins against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and Yuniel Dorticos. The winner also claimed the vacant Ring Magazine championship. Recognition as the lineal champion came with the victory.

What comes next?

The victory elevated Usyk into boxing's elite. His dominance at cruiserweight left nothing else to prove. He soon moved to heavyweight, where he eventually became the undisputed champion. Gassiev also entered the heavyweight division, although injuries slowed his career. He never returned to the championship level he reached at cruiserweight.

Usyk's technical performance was a blueprint for future champions. He established his range immediately, using constant lateral movement to keep Gassiev occupied. His southpaw jab kept Gassiev from launching sustained offense. Quick combinations landed before the Russian could plant his feet. Every time Gassiev looked ready to launch one of his heavy hooks, Usyk had already slipped away at an angle before returning with accurate punches.

Gassiev landed an occasional right hand, including one of his better punches in the fourth round, but those moments were rare. Usyk's footwork repeatedly forced him to reset before he could build sustained offense. The CompuBox numbers reflected the difference. Usyk landed 252 of 939 punches, including 99 jabs, while Gassiev connected on only 91 of 313.

Rather than easing off with a comfortable lead, Usyk increased his work rate over the closing rounds, throwing 117 punches in the twelfth while landing 47 to finish the fight emphatically. When the final bell sounded, the verdict was never in doubt. The unanimous decision completed Usyk's sweep of every major cruiserweight world title. It also crowned him Ring Magazine champion. Recognition as the lineal champion followed. The Muhammad Ali Trophy completed the collection.

The World Boxing Super Series also delivered record-setting paydays for the division. Reports placed Usyk's purse at approximately $10 million, while Gassiev earned about $5 million, making the final one of the richest cruiserweight bouts ever staged. Lonnie Ali presented the Muhammad Ali Trophy during the post-fight ceremony as Usyk celebrated in front of the Moscow crowd.

Usyk's victory elevated him into boxing's elite. His dominance at cruiserweight left nothing else to prove. He soon moved to heavyweight, where he eventually became the undisputed champion. Gassiev also entered the heavyweight division, although injuries slowed his career. He never returned to the championship level he reached at cruiserweight.

More than seven years later, the fight still serves as a blueprint for technical boxing. Usyk established his range immediately. Gassiev spent the rest of the night trying to close it. Few championship performances at cruiserweight have matched the precision he displayed that night in Moscow.

What's next for Oleksandr Usyk?

Usyk's victory marked the beginning of a new era in his career. He would go on to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.