The official weigh-in took place at Depo Tri Vokzala, where WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs) weighed 104.205kg (229.7 kilos) ahead of his title defence against Germany’s Peter Kadiru (23-1, 13 KOs), who got here in at 116.7kg (257.3 kilos). Kadiru will enter the ring with a weight advantage of virtually 12.5kg (27.6 kilos) after replacing Tony Yoka, who withdrew from the bout with a back injury.
Gassiev and Kadiru then went face-to-face for the ultimate time before the important event. Gassiev is making the primary defence of the WBA heavyweight title he won by stopping Kubrat Pulev in six rounds at IBA PRO 13 last December.
Making his first visit to Russia, eight-division world champion Pacquiao praised the welcome he had received.
“I’m so completely satisfied and surprised due to the warm welcome from the people of Russia. That is my first time here, and it’s an awesome experience for me.”
Pacquiao believes the event offers excess of just the headline fight.
“Not only the important event, but there are a whole lot of excellent fights on the cardboard. I’m sure, 100 per cent, that the fans can be completely satisfied.”
He also said his presence would encourage the Filipino fighters competing on the show.
Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs said he was wanting to watch Gassiev return while also backing Joe Joyce ahead of the co-main event.
“I told Joe after I saw him: use your jab. He has the peak, and he may be very tough. He has SugarHill with him now, so I’m sure Sugar will add something and make him even higher.”
One other point of interest of the weigh-in saw unbeaten Russian Artem Suslenkov and Joe Joyce come face-to-face before their 12-round contest for the WBA Continental heavyweight title. The Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist is aiming to maneuver back into world title contention, while Suslenkov has the chance to secure the largest victory of his skilled profession.
Chisora pointed to the chance now in front of Kadiru after the late change of opponent.
“Peter has an enormous opportunity now, and he cannot miss it. You never know in boxing. That’s one thing we find out about boxing, you never know.”
The British heavyweight also identified Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma because the two heavyweight contenders attracting his attention.
“Moses and Daniel are the fellows to observe at once. They’re the 2 guys within the division who can trouble anyone.”
The undercard also features Pavel Sosulin against Eddie Colmenares for the IBA.PRO International super welterweight title, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov against Kevin Martinez in a 12-round heavyweight bout, and Murad Khalidov facing Arslan Yallyev in an all-Russian heavyweight contest.
With the weigh-in complete, attention now turns to Saturday night, where Gassiev begins the primary defence of his WBA heavyweight title against Kadiru, while Joyce and Suslenkov meet for the WBA Continental heavyweight championship.
