Heavyweight veteran Kubrat Pulev has opted to defend his WBA ‘regular’ title against Murat Gassiev, leaving young contender Moses Itauma temporarily sidelined in his pursuit of championship glory.
The 44-year-old Bulgarian, who was initially expected to face the rising British-Nigerian prospect, will now square off with the former cruiserweight champion on December 12 in Dubai after receiving clearance from the WBA to make a voluntary defence.
Pulev’s promoter, Ivaylo Gotzev, confirmed the development, revealing that all terms had been finalised and the bout was “signed, sealed, and confirmed.”
“The WBA has approved Kubrat’s voluntary defence, and we’ve secured an exciting opponent in Gassiev,” Gotzev said. “Moses Itauma will need to stay patient for now, but we’re keeping the door open for him.”
The decision comes as a slight setback for Itauma, one of the most talked-about young heavyweights in world boxing. At just 20 years old, he boasts an impressive 13–0 record with 11 knockouts, including a spectacular two-minute demolition of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August.
Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions had been pushing for a Pulev Itauma showdown, viewing it as the perfect chance to accelerate the youngster’s rise through the ranks. However, with Pulev now committed to facing Gassiev, Itauma’s next move remains uncertain.
Gotzev, nonetheless, extended a professional olive branch, offering Itauma a spot on the Dubai undercard a move that could set up a future clash with the main event’s winner.
“We’ve spoken directly with George Warren, and we’d love to see Itauma on the same bill. It’s the ideal setup for him to challenge the victor in 2026,” Gotzev added.
Potential alternative matchups for Itauma have already been floated, with names like Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter, and David Adeleye being mentioned as possible opponents as he continues his quest for a world title opportunity.
At the top of the heavyweight hierarchy sits Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed champion who holds the WBA ‘super’ belt. Pulev’s fight with Gassiev will therefore serve as a key battle for positioning beneath the Ukrainian kingpin and perhaps, a glimpse of who might emerge as his next challenger.
For Itauma, the message is clear: the spotlight may have shifted for now, but his time is coming.
