| Fight Name: | Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Włodarczyk |
| Fight Date: | October 21, 2017 |
| Location: | Prudential Center, Newark, U.S. |
| Titles: | IBF cruiserweight title |
| Fighter1: |  Murat Gassiev |
| Nickname1: | "Iron" |
| Hometown1: | Vladikavkaz, North Caucasian, Russia |
| Record1: | 24–0 (1) (18 KO) |
| Height1: | 6 ft 4 in |
| Weight1: | 199 lb |
| Style1: | Orthodox |
| Recognition1: | IBF Cruiserweight Champion The Ring/TBRB No. 2 Ranked Cruiserweight |
| Fighter2: |  Krzysztof Włodarczyk |
| Nickname2: | "Diablo" |
| Hometown2: | Warsaw, Masovian, Poland |
| Record2: | 53–3–1 (37 KO) |
| Height2: | 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight2: | 199+1/2 lb |
| Style2: | Orthodox |
| Recognition2: | IBF No. 1 Ranked Cruiserweight TBRB No. 4 Ranked Cruiserweight The Ring No. 10 Ranked Cruiserweight |
| Result: | Gassiev defeats Włodarczyk in the 3rd round via KO |
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Włodarczyk was a professional boxing match contested on October 21, 2017, for the IBF cruiserweight championship.[1]
At the WBSS Draft Gala, which took place on 8 July in Monte Carlo, although Gassiev was second-seeded, meaning he could pick whom he wanted to fight, his choice was pre-determined to be former IBF and WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk by the IBF, in a mandatory fight.[2] [3] It was announced on 8 September that the fight would take place in Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on 21 October 2017. One of the main factors for the fight taking place in New Jersey was the Polish population in that state.[4] [5]
Gassiev was in control the opening two rounds working away on Włodarczyk. Midway through round 3, having Włodarczyk against the ropes, Gassiev connected with a left uppercut to the head, which was immediately followed by a left to the body, dropping Włodarczyk on all fours, flat on the canvas. Włodarczyk, clearly in pain, failed to beat the 10 count. The official time of stoppage was 1:57 of the round.
Gassiev, who was pleased with his performance, said, "I had a great opponent tonight. I prepared myself for a tough fight, but it is boxing, and anything can happen. We do a lot of work in the gym, and I just listened to my coach round after round, and he told me what I needed to do. That's all I needed." Włodarczyk accepted defeat admitting the better man won.[6] [7]
With the win, Gassiev moved on to the semifinals to face fellow seed Yuniel Dorticos, who entered the ring and faced off with Gassiev.[8]
Confirmed bouts:[9]
| align=center | Country | align=center | Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat[10] | |||
| VOO[11] | |||
| Nova | |||
| Super Channel | |||
| Match! Boets[12] | |||
| StarHub | |||
| TVMS | |||
| Tivibu Sports[13] | |||
| ITV | |||
| Audience[14] | |||