WBA cruiserweight champ Yunier Dorticos (22-0 21 KO’s) and IBF cruiserweight champ Murat Gassiev (25-0 18 KO’s) face off this weekend in the second crusierweight semi-final bout of the World Boxing Super Series. Expectations are high following the 1st exciting semi-final brawl between Oleksandr Usyk and Mairis Briedis that took place last weekend. Usyk advanced to the tournament final via majority decision in a close fight showcasing the heart, toughness, and skill of both competitors. Like the fighters of the first semi-final, Both Gassiev and Dorticos will be putting their undefeated records on the line along with their share of the cruiserweight crown in a title unification bout for a spot in the tournament final.
Both fighters took care of their quarterfinal matchups in quick and impressive fashion. Dorticos scored the most eye popping knockout of the quarterfinals sending Dmitry Kudryashov to another dimension with a powerful overhand right towards the end of the second round. Gassiev also disposed of his opponent quickly, but did so in very different fashion. He defeated veteran fighter Krzysztof Wlodarczvk with a brutal body blow in the 3rd round. In doing so, Gassiev handed Wlodarczvk his first loss by knockout in his 57 fight career.
On paper, this should be a very competitive bout between two powerful and dangerous opponents. With a combined 39 KO’s in 47 fights, both men have proven the ability to dispose of their competition inside the distance. I believe that trend will continue this weekend and our winner will be determined without a need for the scorecards.
Dorticos has a high guard that often leaves his midsection exposed. Gassiev has been known to unleash a brutal body attack capable of ending a fight, just as he did against Wlodarczvk. I think a steady body attack from Gassiev will make the difference in this one. Dorticos looks a little loose around the belly and I don’t think he will be able to take the punishment to the body that Gassiev is known to deliver. The accumulation of body blows will be too much for Dorticos to withstand causing him to tire, lower his guard, and leave himself exposed. Gassiev should be able to capitalize on his wounded opponent and get him out of their before the 10th round. For this reason my preferred wager is on Gassiev to win inside the distance at -140.
If you believe Dorticos may win this fight, an alternate play would be under 9 1/2 rounds at -210.
