Fred Kassi

Fred Kassi (born September 4, 1979) is a Cameroonian-born American professional boxer based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Professional career

After winning 15 of his first 16 professional fights, Kassi faced his first tough opponent. He was set to face Kendrick Releford in Hollywood Casino, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on April 24, 2010. He eventually lost the fight via unanimous points decision, after 10 rounds.

Three times, he fought American contender Chris Arreola, on July 18, 2015, at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. The fight aired on PBC and CBS. The fight resulted in a controversial draw; many, including ringside observers, such as analyst Steve Farhood, believed that Kassi won the fight.

After the controversy with Arreola, Kassi fought Dominic Breazeale at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. He lost via another controversial points decision. Breazeale was given a unanimous decision win by judges. Most observers regarded the fight as a draw or close-run win for Kassi.

Kassi was set to fight Hughie Fury for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title at the Copper Box Arena on April 30, 2016. Kassi lost the fight via technical decision. The bout went to the scorecards after seven rounds when Fury was left with a gash over his left eye because of an accidental clash of heads. Kassi pressured Fury throughout the fight, landing power shots on his head. Fury struggled to contain him until the fight was suspended.

Kassi was set to face Jarrell Miller on August 29, 2016, for the WBO-NABO heavyweight title. The fight took place in Rhinos Stadium, Rochester, and Kassi lost as he retired in the third round, citing hand injury.

Professional boxing record