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 pounds) ahead of his title defence against Germany’s Peter Kadiru (23-1, 13 KOs), who came in at 116.7kg (257.3 pounds). Kadiru will enter the ring with a weight advantage of almost 12.5kg (27.6 pounds) after replacing Tony Yoka, who withdrew from the bout with a back injury.
Gassiev and Kadiru then went face-to-face for the final time before the main event. Gassiev is making the first 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 am so happy and surprised because of the warm welcome from the people of Russia. This is my first time here, and it is a great experience for me.”
Pacquiao believes the event offers far more than just the headline fight.
“Not only the main event, but there are a lot of very good fights on the card. I am sure, 100 per cent, that the fans will be happy.”
He also said his presence would encourage the Filipino fighters competing on the show.
Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs said he was eager to watch Gassiev return while also backing Joe Joyce ahead of the co-main event.
“I told Joe when I saw him: use your jab. He has the height, and he is very tough. He has SugarHill with him now, so I am sure Sugar will add something and make him even better.”
Another focal point 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 move back into world title contention, while Suslenkov has the opportunity to secure the biggest victory of his professional career.
Chisora pointed to the opportunity now in front of Kadiru after the late change of opponent.
“Peter has a big opportunity now, and he cannot miss it. You never know in boxing. That is one thing we know about boxing, you never know.”
The British heavyweight also identified Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma as the two heavyweight contenders attracting his attention.
“Moses and Daniel are the guys to watch right now. They are the two guys in 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 first defence of his WBA heavyweight title against Kadiru, while Joyce and Suslenkov meet for the WBA Continental heavyweight championship.
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