by Tamas Pradarics

Presently, one of the most entertaining and exciting weight classes in boxing is the cruiserweight division. We had a perfect example of it a couple weeks ago when Murat Gassiev and Denis Lebedev had a war of attrition for the IBF world title. Gassiev won the close encounter and emerged as one of the new faces at the top of the category.

Despite the loss, Lebedev still holds the WBA's version of the title, as he is on his way to redeem himself as the key figure in a loaded 200 pound division. 

BoxingScene.com recently reached out to Lebedev’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, to get some information about the future of the Russian pugilist.

First, Kornilov pointed out that was he wasn't really satisfied with the official outcome of the Gassiev fight. 

"I  saw it very close, I thought it might be a draw. I didn't think Dennis lost the fight,” Kornilov said.

When he was asked about the possibility of an immediate rematch between the participants, Vadim responded in a positive manner.

"Yes it's definitely possible and it's something we would entertain. Gassiev is only getting better. He is young, very big and strong, but in my opinion he is a beatable fighter,” said Kornilov.  "We will discuss this option with [promoter] Mr. Ryabinskiy and his 'World of Boxing' in the beginning of 2017.”

At the same time the California-based manager says they have other options if the Gassiev fight wouldn’t happen.

When the name of Ukrainian WBO titleholder Oleksandr Usyk was mentioned, Vadim strengthened the idea. There is also interest in facing the winner of the March heavyweight bout between David Haye and Tony Bellew, who holds the WBC cruiserweight belt.

"Yes, we are interested in this fight. We would also be interested in the Haye vs Bellew winner, possibly Marco Huck who has been on Dennis's mind for a long time.”

"I don’t think we would have a problem with any of these possible matchups. As long as top guys fighting against each other it is great to be a boxing fan."