Former WBA, IBF world cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev will have his next fight on a date in March or April, according to information provided by the Secretary General of the Russian Boxing Federation, Kirill Shchekutyev, in an interview with Tass.

“The priority is for Gassiev to return to the ring in the best shape possible,” Shchekutyev said.

“We believe that he can become a world champion [at heavyweight]. And, of course, it is a priority that he fights in Russia. I think that next week there will be an announcement about Murat's future. I think we can talk about March-April [for his next fight.]."

Gassiev was at the top of his game in 2016, when he unified two world titles in the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament - with a sensational knockout of Yuniel Dorticos.

But in the final bout of the WBSS, Gassiev was outboxed over twelve rounds by Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.

A few weeks, later he would reveal his intention to move up to heavyweight.

Following that contest, several of Gassiev's scheduled dates were postponed due to injuries or other issues.

On October 31 of last year, Gassiev finally made his heavyweight debut - after more than two years of inactivity - with a knockout of late replacement Nuri Seferi.

In total, the 27-year-old Russian puncher has a record of 27 wins (20 by knockout) and one defeat.