WBA heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) has chosen to defend his belt against #12 Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) on December 12 in Dubai, UAE.
The WBA had ordered Pulev, 44, to defend against #1 Moses Itauma after he did not put a fight along with #2 Michael Hunter. Nevertheless, Pulev and his team decided as an alternative to face 14-year-old pro Gassiev in a fight that must be entertaining for so long as it lasts.
Pulev defeated WBA champion Mamoud Charr on December 7, 2024, by a 12-round unanimous decision to grow to be the brand new belt-holder.
“I respect Murat Gassiev – he’s a robust and dangerous opponent – but I’m ready, focused, and desirous to give fans a terrific fight. I’m grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this occur and might’t wait to step back into the ring,” said Pulev.
You ca’t rule out a win for Gassive because Pulev is slow and is up there in age. Although Gassiev is slow, he’s still an enormous puncher, and that’s all it’ll take to defeat what’s left of Pulev.
The previous IBF cruiserweight champion Gassiev was one in all the highest fighters in that weight class from 2016 to 2018. A loss to Oleksandr Usyk modified Murat’s profession path. He gave up on the cruiserweight division and moved as much as heavyweight. He hasn’t been the identical fighter since his move up in weight.
Gassiev lost to Otto Wallin by a 12-round split decision on September 30, 2023. Losing to Wallin put things in perspective, showing Gassiev’s level. He did bounce back from that loss, defeating Kem Ljungquist and Jeremiah Milton. Those fighters are top-tier.
If Gassiev can defeat Pulev, he’ll revitalize his profession and put himself in position for a lucrative rematch against Usyk or a fight against Moses Itauma. Obviously, the larger payday can be against Usyk for all his belts. It’s unlikely that he’ll decide to face Gassiev on account of the shortage of interest fans would have on this fight.
Last Updated on 10/16/2025