Former cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev (pictured) comes back after a one-year break to fight Denmark’s Kem Ljungquist at IBA Champions’ Night in Yerevan, Armenia on October 26th. The 31 year-old Gassiev, now campaigning as a heavyweight, has 30 victories, including 23 KOs, and 2 losses to his name. Ljungquist, age 34, is an unbeaten as a pro with 18 wins and 11 KOs. ‘We prepared in the city of Serpukhov, and everything went well,’ Gassiev said. "Ljungquist is a tall southpaw, he’s undefeated. I’m taking this seriously, as I do with all my opponents. Regarding the change of date and location for the fight — these are simply personal issues related to arranging the match. I’m not making a big deal out of it."

Speaking about his time off since his loss to Otto Walin, Gassiev mentioned: "Right now, there are challenges in organizing fights in general, and the most important is that this one will happen. Of course, I’d like to box more frequently, but, as I mentioned, there are obstacles in scheduling matches. I’m motivated and fully focused on the upcoming fight — I want to put on a good show and make the fans happy."

Ljungquist, in turn, prepared in Copenhagen. "‘We worked hard with my coach Poul Duvil. We have started 12 weeks ago and have had a great camp with good sparring. This fight is a test for me, I haven’t been fighting overseas  in a couple of years. I’m ready to challenge myself and take the next step in my career. I have watched a lot of Gassiev’s fights, he is tough and has a lot of experience. I’m coming to Armenia to fight and give spectators a good performance," Ljungquist commented.