Murat Gassiev vs. Jeremiah Milton: This Saturday in Miami

Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, FL – Former unified cruiserweight champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev will look to continue his heavyweight climb when he faces late replacement Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton on August 23rd. The bout headlines at Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort and pits a proven contender against a talented but inconsistent prospect.

A Late Switch with Potential

Milton steps in after the original opponent withdrew just weeks before fight night. While most observers have Gassiev as a heavy favorite, heavyweight boxing is unpredictable—and Milton’s physical gifts mean he can’t be entirely counted out.

The 31-year-old Tulsa native enters the fight looking to rebound from his first career defeat, a surprising unanimous decision loss to Stanley Wright in January. That setback saw Milton’s stock dip sharply, but the manner of the loss left room for speculation—was it simply an off night, or did Wright expose deeper flaws?

Gassiev’s Heavyweight Ambition

Gassiev, 31, carries a professional record of 32-2 (25 KOs) and remains one of the sharpest punchers in the division. Since moving up from cruiserweight, he’s been working to prove his durability and adapt his style against bigger men. His only two losses came at elite level—against Oleksandr Usyk and Otto Wallin—and he’s been steadily rebuilding.

Against Milton, Gassiev will aim to control distance, apply calculated pressure, and test the American’s ability to handle sustained offensive heat.

Milton’s Underdog Chance

Standing 6’4” with an 80-inch reach, Milton, 11-1 (7 KOs), has the tools to trouble opponents—long jab, solid straight right, and decent mobility for a heavyweight. But the big question is whether he can maintain composure under Gassiev’s power and tempo.

If Milton can use his size and movement to dictate the early rounds, he might ask questions of Gassiev’s patience and conditioning. However, he’s yet to face anyone at Gassiev’s level, making this a daunting step up.

Prediction & Stakes

On paper, Gassiev should win—most likely by mid-to-late stoppage. But Milton is fighting for career redemption, and a major upset here could catapult him back into the heavyweight conversation. For Gassiev, a win keeps him in the mix for higher-profile bouts, perhaps even a top-10 showdown before year’s end.

Bottom line: Expect Gassiev to be aggressive from the outset, but keep an eye on Milton in the opening rounds. If he can settle into rhythm, this fight could be more competitive than expected.