news: Kubrat Pulev has opted to fight Murat Gassiev instead of Moses Itauma, perhaps jeopardizing his WBA title.The shift impacts the heavyweight boxing landscape and opens doors for other contenders.">
Pulev Chooses Gassiev, Leaving Itauma Fight in Limbo
Table of Contents
- 1. Pulev Chooses Gassiev, Leaving Itauma Fight in Limbo
- 2. Itauma’s December Fight Now in Doubt
- 3. WBA Title Implications
- 4. Chisora’s Farewell Now Main Event
- 5. Key Facts at a glance
- 6. The Evolving World of Boxing Title Holders
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about the Pulev-Itauma Situation
- 8. What are the WBA’s regulations regarding titleholder activity, and how did Kubrat Pulev fail to meet them?
- 9. World Boxing Association to Strip Kubrat Pulev of Title, Leading to New Date for Itauma Fight
- 10. Pulev’s Inactivity: The Root Cause
- 11. The Itauma Fight: Initial Plans and Subsequent Delays
- 12. The Price vs. Ali Storyline
- 13. New Date Confirmed: Price vs. Ali for the Vacant Title
- 14. Implications for the Heavyweight Division
- 15. Pulev’s Future: What’s Next?
- 16. Key Players and Stakeholders
- 17. Boxing Title Stripping: A Past Viewpoint
Manchester, England – A scheduled Heavyweight bout between rising star Moses Itauma and veteran Kubrat Pulev has been thrown into uncertainty. Pulev has instead decided to face former Cruiserweight Champion Murat Gassiev in a contest set for Dubai on December 12, 2025.
Itauma’s December Fight Now in Doubt
Twenty-year-old Moses itauma, currently undefeated with a record of 13 wins and 11 knockouts, was initially slated to face Pulev on December 13 in Manchester.That fight was officially sanctioned by the World Boxing Association (WBA). However, Pulev’s last-minute decision has altered those plans considerably.
WBA Title Implications
According to sources, the WBA may strip Pulev of his “regular” world title if he proceeds with the fight against Gassiev.The association did not authorize the bout with Gassiev, leading to potential repercussions for the Bulgarian fighter.
“This fight (Pulev-Gassiev) was not booked by the WBA,” a source stated. “If Pulev fights Gassiev, then the WBA should strip him of his title.”
Chisora’s Farewell Now Main Event
With the Pulev-Itauma clash off the table, Dereck Chisora’s farewell fight will now headline the December 13 event in Manchester. A new opponent for Chisora has already been identified, though details have not yet been released.
Did You Know? As of October 2025, the WBA’s system of “regular” and “super” champions frequently enough creates confusion within the boxing world. This can lead to situations like the current dispute, where a fighter’s career path clashes with organizational mandates.
Pro Tip: keep a close watch on the WBA’s official statements regarding Pulev’s status. The outcome could significantly affect the heavyweight division’s rankings and potential future matchups.
Key Facts at a glance
| Fighter | Record (W-L-D) | Notable information |
|---|---|---|
| Moses Itauma | 13-0 | Undefeated British Heavyweight prospect. |
| Kubrat Pulev | 32-3 | Bulgarian Boxer, current WBA “regular” Heavyweight champion. |
| Murat Gassiev | N/A | Former Cruiserweight Champion. |
| Dereck Chisora | N/A | British Boxer, announcing his retirement fight. |
The Evolving World of Boxing Title Holders
The landscape of professional boxing is regularly reshaped by promotional deals, organizational politics, and fighters’ individual career choices. The situation with Kubrat Pulev highlights a recurring challenge within the sport: navigating the complex web of sanctioning bodies-WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO-each with its own set of rules and rankings.
The existence of “regular” and “super” champions, as seen with the WBA, frequently enough creates ambiguity and allows for situations where a champion can fight outside of a mandated bout, potentially risking their title. This dynamic impacts not only the fighters involved but also boxing fans, who crave clear and decisive championship contests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pulev-Itauma Situation
- What is the status of Moses Itauma’s next fight? Itauma’s team is now targeting February 7, 2026, for his next bout, though an opponent has not yet been announced.
- Could Kubrat Pulev lose his title? Yes, the WBA has indicated it will strip Pulev of his title if he fights Murat Gassiev.
- Who is Murat Gassiev? Murat Gassiev is a former unified Cruiserweight champion known for his powerful punching.
- Why did Pulev choose to fight Gassiev instead of Itauma? The reasons for Pulev’s decision are not publicly known, but it may come down to financial incentives or perceived strategic advantages.
- What does this mean for Dereck Chisora? Chisora’s farewell fight is now the main event in Manchester,giving him a higher profile send-off.
What are your thoughts on Pulev choosing Gassiev over Itauma? Do you believe the WBA should strip Pulev of his title? Share your opinions in the comments below!
What are the WBA’s regulations regarding titleholder activity, and how did Kubrat Pulev fail to meet them?
World Boxing Association to Strip Kubrat Pulev of Title, Leading to New Date for Itauma Fight
The World Boxing Association (WBA) is set to strip Kubrat Pulev of his International heavyweight title due to his inactivity, paving the way for a rescheduled bout between Hopey Price and Kash Ali for the vacant crown. This decision significantly impacts the heavyweight boxing landscape and throws the future of Pulev’s career into question.
Pulev’s Inactivity: The Root Cause
For months, speculation has swirled around Kubrat Pulev’s lack of fights. The WBA rules stipulate that titleholders must defend their belts within a specified timeframe,typically 12 months. Pulev has failed to meet this requirement, citing various reasons including injury concerns and stalled negotiations for potential opponents.
* WBA Regulations: The WBA’s commitment to active champions is a cornerstone of their championship policy.
* Previous Warnings: the WBA had previously issued warnings to Pulev regarding his inactivity, giving him opportunities to schedule a defense.
* Impact on rankings: Pulev’s ranking has already begun to suffer due to his prolonged absence from the ring.
The Itauma Fight: Initial Plans and Subsequent Delays
Originally, the focus was on a highly anticipated clash between Hopey Price and Kash Ali for the WBA international heavyweight title. This fight was initially scheduled for December 2nd, 2023, but was postponed due to ali suffering a hand injury. The postponement created a ripple effect, ultimately contributing to the current situation with Pulev.
The Price vs. Ali Storyline
both price and Ali represent the next generation of british heavyweight talent.
* Hopey Price (10-0, 9 KOs): A rising star known for his aggressive style and knockout power.
* Kash Ali (20-1, 10 kos): A seasoned competitor with a strong record and a reputation for durability.
The winner of this bout was expected to significantly climb the WBA rankings and position themselves for a potential title shot.
New Date Confirmed: Price vs. Ali for the Vacant Title
Following the WBA’s decision to strip Pulev, a new date has been confirmed for the Price vs. Ali fight.The bout is now scheduled for March 28th, 2024, at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.This provides both fighters with a definitive timeline and a clear path to compete for the coveted WBA International Heavyweight title.
* Venue: AO Arena, Manchester – a prominent venue for major boxing events in the UK.
* Broadcasting: The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN, ensuring a wide audience reach.
* Ticket Information: Tickets are currently available for purchase through various online platforms.
Implications for the Heavyweight Division
The stripping of Pulev’s title and the rescheduled Price vs. Ali fight have several implications for the wider heavyweight division.
* Opportunity for New Contenders: The vacant title creates an opportunity for other contenders to rise through the ranks.
* Increased Competition: The heavyweight division is already fiercely competitive, and this development adds another layer of intrigue.
* potential for Upsets: The Price vs. Ali fight is considered a 50/50 matchup, increasing the likelihood of an upset.
Pulev’s Future: What’s Next?
With the loss of his WBA International Heavyweight title, Kubrat Pulev’s future in boxing is uncertain. He will need to actively rebuild his career and demonstrate his commitment to competing at a high level.
* Potential Opponents: Pulev may seek to face lower-ranked opponents to regain momentum.
* Rematch Opportunities: A potential rematch against the winner of the Price vs. Ali fight could be on the cards.
* Retirement Considerations: Depending on his performance and motivation, Pulev may consider retirement.
Key Players and Stakeholders
Several key players and stakeholders are involved in this situation:
* World Boxing Association (WBA): The governing body responsible for enforcing championship rules.
* Kubrat Pulev: The former WBA International Heavyweight champion.
* Hopey Price: One of the contenders for the vacant title.
* Kash Ali: The other contender for the vacant title.
* DAZN: The broadcasting partner for the Price vs. Ali fight.
* Matchroom Boxing: The promotional company involved in the event.
Boxing Title Stripping: A Past Viewpoint
Title stripping isn’t new to the world of boxing. Throughout history, numerous champions have been stripped of their belts for various reasons, including inactivity, failing to make weight, or violating rules. Some notable examples include:
* Mike Tyson (WBC, WBA, IBF): Stripped of titles in 1
