Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev | DAZN - December 12, 2025

[Ruthless-RKO]

Heavyweights Kubrat Pulev, Murat Gassiev Will Square Off Dec. 12

Heavyweights Kubrat Pulev, Murat Gassiev Will Square Off Dec. 12
One day after being ordered to defend his title against Moses Itauma, Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) has other plans in mind.

The heavyweight will officially defend his secondary WBA belt against Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) on December 12 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The event will be a headliner in a two-week festival filled with professional and amateur bouts.

Tuesday, the WBA announced that Michael Hunter was removed from his mandatory status after entertaining a bout with Jarrell Miller. In his place, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) was elevated to mandatory status. Both sides were given 30 days to come to an agreement.

After stopping Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Saudi Arabia, the 20-year-old rising contender is expected to headline a card December 13.

[1287924]

Hey everyone!

On December 12th in Dubai, we’ll see an exciting fight between Murat Gassiev and Kubrat Pulev for the WBA Regular heavyweight title. Both fighters have solid careers and bring different styles to the ring. Who do you think will come out on top? What key factors might decide the outcome? And how important is this fight for their careers going forward?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions and predictions!

[Ruthless-RKO]

not the worst fight.

rather this than Moses getting the fight.

[joshj909]

Pulev is a tricky customer until he gets hit by someone with power, then it's all over. That's why he's managed to spoil so many fights to victory. Gassiev needs to land the punch to win though, if he fights like he did against Wallin then he has no chance even considering Pulev's age.

Whoever wins will be the opponent in a bigger fight against Itauma or Hunter or someone similar. If Gassiev loses then his only chance of relevancy is to drop down a weight class, whereas Pulev would have to retire.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Kubrat Pulev puts Itauma on hold, defends belt vs. Murat Gassiev on December 12

Kubrat Pulev is set to defend his WBA secondary heavyweight title on Friday, December 12 when he meets former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, according to a press release.

The fight, which takes place at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, will headline an IBA Pro and Epic Sports and Entertainment card.

Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), will be making the first defense of the secondary title belt he won last December, when he defeated Mahmoud Charr by unanimous decision in Pulev’s home country of Bulgaria. The 44-year-old has won three straight since losing a split decision in 2022 to Derek Chisora.

“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title," said Pulev in a press release.“I respect Murat Gassiev - he is a powerful and dangerous opponent - but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight.”

Gassiev, 32-2 (25 KOs), of Vladikavkaz, Russia has been on a hot streak in his last two fights, stopping both Jeremiah Milton and Kem Ljungquist in his last two bouts, which followed a split decision loss to Otto Wallin in September of 2023.

"Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment," said the 32-year-old Gassiev. “I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight on the planet - so I will be bringing the heat to Dubai. It will be an historic night for me and I will be extremely proud to bring the WBA title back home to Russia.”

The fight announcement comes just after Pulev was ordered by the WBA to next defend his belt against Moses Itauma, the unbeaten 20-year-old heavyweight from England who is rated no. 1 by the sanctioning body.

In a resolution dated Oct. 14, the WBA stated that Pulev was relieved of his mandatory obligations against Michael Hunter as the organization did not receive contracts by the set deadline. That same resolution added that, while Pulev had been free to make a voluntary defense “within a reasonable time after execution” of an agreement dated August 22 of this year, “no such title defense has been made or announced.”

Still, Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of the Bulgaria-based Epic Sports, says that he has received an “official WBA resolution” which enables Pulev to make a voluntary defense of the belt next.

“The Pulev vs. Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed - so [Moses] Itauma will have to wait his turn,” said Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of the Bulgaria-based Epic Sports and Entertainment.

““We understand young Itauma is chomping at the bit, and as a professional courtesy I’ve spoken directly with his promoter, George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, to offer him a slot on the undercard. That would set the perfect stage for him to face the winner of the main event. This keeps everything aligned with the WBA’s directive and ensures fans get a stacked world-class heavyweight spectacle in Dubai.”

The undercard will be announced shortly, the release states.

[giacomino]

Kubrat Pulev puts Itauma on hold, defends belt vs. Murat Gassiev on December 12

Kubrat Pulev is set to defend his WBA secondary heavyweight title on Friday, December 12 when he meets former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, according to a press release.

The fight, which takes place at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, will headline an IBA Pro and Epic Sports and Entertainment card.

Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), will be making the first defense of the secondary title belt he won last December, when he defeated Mahmoud Charr by unanimous decision in Pulev’s home country of Bulgaria. The 44-year-old has won three straight since losing a split decision in 2022 to Derek Chisora.

“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title," said Pulev in a press release.“I respect Murat Gassiev - he is a powerful and dangerous opponent - but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight.”

Gassiev, 32-2 (25 KOs), of Vladikavkaz, Russia has been on a hot streak in his last two fights, stopping both Jeremiah Milton and Kem Ljungquist in his last two bouts, which followed a split decision loss to Otto Wallin in September of 2023.

"Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment," said the 32-year-old Gassiev. “I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight on the planet - so I will be bringing the heat to Dubai. It will be an historic night for me and I will be extremely proud to bring the WBA title back home to Russia.”

The fight announcement comes just after Pulev was ordered by the WBA to next defend his belt against Moses Itauma, the unbeaten 20-year-old heavyweight from England who is rated no. 1 by the sanctioning body.

In a resolution dated Oct. 14, the WBA stated that Pulev was relieved of his mandatory obligations against Michael Hunter as the organization did not receive contracts by the set deadline. That same resolution added that, while Pulev had been free to make a voluntary defense “within a reasonable time after execution” of an agreement dated August 22 of this year, “no such title defense has been made or announced.”

Still, Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of the Bulgaria-based Epic Sports, says that he has received an “official WBA resolution” which enables Pulev to make a voluntary defense of the belt next.

“The Pulev vs. Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed - so [Moses] Itauma will have to wait his turn,” said Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of the Bulgaria-based Epic Sports and Entertainment.

““We understand young Itauma is chomping at the bit, and as a professional courtesy I’ve spoken directly with his promoter, George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, to offer him a slot on the undercard. That would set the perfect stage for him to face the winner of the main event. This keeps everything aligned with the WBA’s directive and ensures fans get a stacked world-class heavyweight spectacle in Dubai.”

The undercard will be announced shortly, the release states.

Hunter must not think any more of the secondary paper belt than we do. But what does “ the organization did not receive contracts by the set deadline” mean? Does that mean Hunter’s team didn’t seek the fight or that Pulev and Hunter couldn’t come to a contract agreement? If it’s the second, it seems like a pretty easy way for beltholders to avoid tough mandatories. All they’d have to say is “we couldn’t come to an agreement” and they’d get a new mandatory opponent

[londonwar]

gassiev was so awful against wallin i suspect he threw that fight.

[gregregegg]

If gassiev can’t bully and butcher a 44 year old pulev then he should retire.

[gilgamesh]

Gassiev should be able to stop Pulev at this point. If he can't he has nothing to offer to the Heavyweight division as any kinda meaningful contender.

Might be a decent fight. Both of em can't afford to lose if they want to stay even remotely relevant.

[Taansend]

If gassiev can’t bully and butcher a 44 year old pulev then he should retire.

I honestly thought Gassiev was going to become a major player in the Heavy division within 18 months of his loss to Usyk.

[gregregegg]

If gassiev can’t bully and butcher a 44 year old pulev then he should retire.

I honestly thought Gassiev was going to become a major player in the Heavy division within 18 months of his loss to Usyk.

So did I. I thought he would smash wallin, then he came in light and did nothing… really confusing.

[tiny_acres]

If Gassiev looks as bad as he did against Wallin then this will be a close fight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Looks like there's 2 threads on this..

Can mods merge please.

viewtopic.php?t=268662

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBA To Allow Kubrat Pulev To Defend Secondary Title Against Murat Gassiev

The WBA appears to be willing to give Kubrat Pulev a pass.

A few weeks ago, the sanctioning body ordered its secondary titleholder to defend his heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Moses Itauma. The sides were given a deadline of November 14 to come to terms; otherwise, a purse bid would have been called.

However, Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) announced that he already signed a contract to face Murat Gassiev on December 12 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. According to a report first obtained by journalist Dan Rafael, WBA is “inclined” to sanction the bout, but only if Pulev requests it.

“At Pulev’s request, and consistent with his Settlement Agreement with the WBA, the WBA is inclined to sanction a Pulev-Gassiev bout,” the WBA stated in the document. “However, such a sanction must be issued consistent with WBA rules. Therefore, Pulev should file a Special Permit Request to authorize his proposed title defense bout. Because time is of the essence for the affected parties, Pulev should file as soon as he is able, and the Request will be considered on an expedited basis.”

It’s unclear if the winner of their fight will be mandated to face Itauma immediately after.

The 44-year-old Pulev might be getting up there in age, but his recent form has him feeling good about himself. Following a split-decision loss to Derek Chisora in 2022, the native Bulgarian has won three fights in a row, with his latest coming December 7 against Mahmoud Charr.

As for Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs), he’s attempting to become a two-division champion. The former cruiserweight champ has gone 6-1 since making his heavyweight debut in 2020.

He recently knocked off fringe contender Jeremiah Milton, whom he stopped after the sixth round August 23 in Miami.

Meanwhile, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) will attempt to figure out his next move. The 20-year-old phenom has been praised for his first-round stoppage of former WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte on August 16 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

England’s Itauma was originally penciled in for a December 13 return. His promoter, allegedly, has since said Itauma will next fight early in 2026.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

The WBA has officially sanctioned the heavyweight clash between its regular champion, Kubrat Pulev, and Russian fringe contender Murat Gassiev. The fight was already set to take place on December 12th. [Oleksandr Usyk remains the WBA super champion and true world champion of the heavyweight division]. The WBA's decision follows a special permit request submitted by Pulev’s team after a previous WBA resolution had ordered Pulev to make a mandatory defense against Britain’s Moses Itauma, the current WBA #1 contender in the heavyweight rankings. According to the WBA's ruling, Itauma retains his mandatory status and will face the winner of Pulev–Gassiev (or Pulev, in case of a draw or no-decision). The British prospect has also been cleared to take an optional bout against Jermaine Franklin on January 24, 2026.

The victor of Pulev–Gassiev (or Pulev, in case of a draw or no-decision) will be required to defend the WBA regular title against Itauma. The negotiation period will open on January 25, 2026 and close on February 9th. If no agreement is reached within that time frame, the WBA will call for a purse bid, with a 50-50 split between both boxers. Finally, the WBA emphasized that no further special permits will be granted until Itauma exercises his rights as the mandatory challenger, in accordance with the organization’s championship regulations.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Kubrat Pulev-Murat Gassiev approved by WBA; winner must face Moses Itauma

Kubrat Pulev is permitted to move forward with a voluntary defense of his secondary title.

A ruling by the WBA granted sanctioning for Pulev’s forthcoming WBA “Regular” heavyweight title defense against former unified cruiserweight titlist Murat Gassiev. The bout was already announced to take place on December 12 from Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubia, UAE.

Hearn: Allen style can 'test' Itauma...
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At the time, the WBA had already ordered Bulgaria’s Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs) to next face number one contender Moses Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs). That matter quickly dissolved when it was revealed that the 44-year-old already had other plans, despite failing to notify the sanctioning body earlier.

An exception was filed by Epic Sports seeking permission to move forward with the IBA-Pro headliner in Dubai and to suspend negotiations with Itauma. Similarly, Itauma’s legal team filed a Motion of Opposition, in an effort to proceed with negotiations.

“The WBA has reviewed the letters submitted on this matter by legal counsel for Pulev and... Itauma,” WBA Championship Committee chairman Carlos Chavez noted in a ruling obtained by BS. “If the Special Permit Request (filed by Pulev) were to be denied, Pulev intends to reinstitute his previous appeal before the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport)], thus pausing any title defense until a decision from thar body sometime in early 2026.

“In addition, if the WBA were forced to call for a purse bid for a Pulev-Itauma bout, such a bout also could not practically occur until 2026. Either situation would cause both Pulev and Itauma to have a significant period of inactivity, detrimental to both of them.”

Along with Pulev-Gassiev, Itauma has finally landed a fight date. He was due to headline a December 13 Queensberry show, which was since canceled due to failure to firm up the lineup – particularly the main event.

Itauma has since moved on to a January 24 clash with American heavyweight gatekeeper Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, England. With a win, he can expect to immediately return to the negotiating table

“To prevent such a scenario (of inactivity for either fighter or both), the WBA grants the Request of Pulev under the following conditions,” stated the ruling.

The Pulev-Gassiev bout is approved.

Itauma remains as the mandatory challenger… and shall fight against the winner (Pulev in case of a draw or non-decision).

Itauma is authorized to participate in an optional bout against Jermaine [Franklin] on January 24, 2026.

The winner of Pulev-Gassiev must fight Itauma for the regular championship. Negotiations will begin in January 25 and end on February 9. If no agreement is reached, the WBA will call for a purse bid, with a split of 50% for each contender.

No special permit will be allowed until Itauma exercises his rights under the applicable championship rules.

Nowhere in the ruling does it state where the winner will eventually get a shot at the full WBA title held by lineal and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs).

Pulev won his belt in a 12-round decision win over Mahmoud Charr last December at home in Sofia, Bulgaria. He’s yet to make a title defense, in part due to the miserably failed development following an ordered mandatory against Michael Hunter.

The bout was ordered as part of a four-man box-off that didn’t see any of the fights pan out. The other side of it called for Fabio Wardley to face Jarrell Miller. He wound up meeting with Australia’s Justis Huni, against whom Wardley scored a dramatic 10th round knockout on June 8 in his hometown of Ipswich, London, England.

Wardley then went on to bump off New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a come-from-behind 11th round stoppage on October 25 in London. The win positioned him as the WBO interim titlist and the mandatory challenger for that title. The full version of the belt is also held by Usyk, who will either have to next face the unbeaten contender or vacate at least his WBO title.

Gassiev is 6-1 in just seven heavyweight fights since the end of his unified cruiserweight title reign. The heavy-handed Russian held the WBA and IBF 200lbs titles but lost to Usyk in their July 2018 undisputed championship and World Boxing Super Series final in Moscow.

His lone defeat at heavyweight came in a September 2023 split decision to Otto Wallin in Antalya, Turkey. He’s since rebounded two wins, including a 6th round stoppage of Jeremiah Milton on August 23 in Miami, Florida.

[joshj909]

Itauma Vs Gassiev could be a good fight

[gregregegg]

Itauma Vs Gassiev could be a good fight

He was willing to fight pulev for the reg. Interesting if he will fight gassiev for it if gassieve smashes pulev.

[gilgamesh]

Itauma Vs Gassiev could be a good fight

If Itauma only fights twice next year, and finishes the year in the same exact position he's in now I think he'll lose a lot of luster. He either needs to go for the title at some point late next year or he needs to beat up 4 or 5 fringe contenders.

As a Prospect who's trying to build his name he only fought twice this year. Fighting twice a year is what a Champion or a Superstar fighter does. Not a prospect.

[Ruthless-RKO]

This what these new comers do now days. Have a few low level fights. Then they’re going after boxers who had a name once and clearly past their expiration date.

Moses should be fighting 4-5 times a year and British/Euro level can be competitive. Pick up those belts.

They try to move boxers a long too quick, get them a ranking with orgs quickly as well. Then sit on a mandatory slot.

[gilgamesh]

He doesn't necessarily need to be rushed into a title, but he does need to just fight more often to make himself better known and therefore more marketable.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Pulev-Gassiev Officially Sanctioned By WBA

The World Boxing Association has officially sanctioned the long-anticipated showdown between WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev and former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, clearing the way for one of the most high-stakes heavyweight championship fights to close out 2025.

On November 11, 2025, the WBA issued an official resolution approving Pulev vs. Gassiev and mandated that the winner must next face No. 1 contender Moses Itauma for the title, locking in a clear, undisputed path forward for the heavyweight division.

The bout headlines a landmark week of International Boxing Association (IBA) events in Dubai, where the IBA is staging its most ambitious slate ever—three major cards in six days—including world-level amateur finals, elite team matchups, and showcase professional bouts. The centerpiece, however, is unmistakable: Pulev vs. Gassiev, the fight that will determine who has earned the right to confront the reigning undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, for the mantle of “baddest man on the planet.”

A Massive Week of Boxing in Dubai

Pulev vs. Gassiev will be part of the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2 to December 13, headlining a blockbuster two-week Festival of Boxing.

The showpiece event will see the IBA welcome the world’s finest international talent to the region, all vying for a chance to capture championship glory and an opportunity to compete for a jaw-dropping $8 million in prize money. With a staggering $300,000 purse for the winner of each category, the competition stands to be the richest in the sport’s history.

This week of boxing in Dubai will include:

• IBA Elite Global Cup Finals (Dec 9–10)

National teams from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and Bulgaria compete for the cup in high-stakes amateur showdowns, featuring multiple Olympic medalists and rising stars.

• IBA Champions Night (Dec 11)

A pro-am hybrid event showcasing world medalists transitioning into the professional ranks, including:
– A 135-lb showcase featuring Cuban standout Andy Cruz,
– A 147-lb feature bout with European champion Samil Mutalimov,
– Women’s elite Bantamweight and Lightweight championships.

• IBA Heavyweight Super Card (Dec 12)

Anchored by Pulev vs. Gassiev, the card also features:
– Tervel Pulev returning at cruiserweight,
– Magomed Kurbanov (Gassiev’s stablemate) in a title eliminator,
– Two IBA-pro developmental bouts with world championship medalists.

• IBA Men’s Elite World Championships Finals (Dec 13)

The two-week IBA World Championships culminate in the global amateur finals—Olympic-level, gold-medal showdowns that close out the festival and reinforce Dubai as the center of the boxing world.

Fighter Quotes

Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev – WBA World Heavyweight Champion

“Fighting Murat Gassiev is exactly the kind of challenge a real champion wants. Dubai will see two warriors, two punchers, two men who come to win. I respect Murat, but I am the champion for a reason. I will defend my title with pride, and then I plan to call out Usyk for the undisputed crown. This is going to be epic!”

Murat Gassiev – Former Unified Cruiserweight Champion

“I have waited a long time for this opportunity. Pulev is a world champion and a strong fighter, but I am stronger now than I have ever been. I thank the WBA for approving this fight. The fans will see a real battle. I am coming for the knockout. Nothing will stop me from becoming world champion.”

Promoter Quotes

Ivaylo Gotzev – Epic Sports & Entertainment, Promoter of Kubrat Pulev

“There will be fireworks in Dubai on December 12, and you really don’t want to miss this one. Kubrat has been in camp in Berlin since September, and he is razor-sharp. Gassiev is a dangerous puncher, but Kubrat’s experience, conditioning, and ring IQ will be the difference. We thank the WBA for approving the fight and providing a clear path for Pulev’s championship journey.”

Al Siesta – IB Challenger, Promoter of Pulev vs. Gassiev Event

“The heavyweight division just woke up. Murat is a different animal at heavyweight—he punches like a mule, he’s disciplined, and he’s hungry. Pulev is a gentleman and a proud champion, but Murat brings fire and unpredictability. Dubai is the perfect setting for this global event. We applaud the WBA for sanctioning this great fight.”

John Wirt –Epic Sports & Entertainment, President and General Counsel

“It has been a long legal battle outside of the ring but we are delighted that we prevailed and we can report that the fight is now officially sanctioned for the world heavyweight championship. We are grateful that the WBA made the right call—two world-class heavyweights, both in full training camps, both ready to rumble. And thanks to the WBA’s clear roadmap, the winner will face Itauma and then move directly toward the undisputed championship against Usyk. This is how the division should function. Dubai will witness something special.”

A Fight With Global Heavyweight Consequences

The WBA’s decision ensures:

Pulev–Gassiev is fully sanctioned and official
Itauma remains mandatory and will get the winner
The winner of Pulev–Gassiev is one step from undisputed
The division avoids months of inactivity and appeals

In a year where the heavyweight landscape has shifted dramatically, Dubai becomes the epicenter of the sport.

Event Details

Date: December 12, 2025
Sanctioning: World Boxing Association (WBA) World Heavyweight Championship
Main Event: Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev

Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

[JxhDel.]

The winner goes against Itauma, although a younger Pulev should have been a solid test for him, the danger resides now in Gassiev.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight week!!

[gregregegg]

Gassieve is kinda the perfect next step form ituma after Franklin.

Franklin, gassieve for the fake wba, wardly for the wbo… that’s a nice 2026…