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 failed to put a fight together with #2 Michael Hunter. However, Pulev and his team decided instead to face 14-year-old pro Gassiev in a fight that should be entertaining for as long as it lasts.
Pulev defeated WBA champion Mamoud Charr on December 7, 2024, by a 12-round unanimous decision to become the new belt-holder.
“I respect Murat Gassiev – he is a powerful and dangerous opponent – but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight. I’m grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this happen and can’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 a huge puncher, and that’s all it’ll take to defeat what’s left of Pulev.
The former IBF cruiserweight champion Gassiev was one of the top fighters in that weight class from 2016 to 2018. A loss to Oleksandr Usyk changed Murat’s career path. He gave up on the cruiserweight division and moved up to heavyweight. He hasn’t been the same 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 career and put himself in position for a lucrative rematch against Usyk or a fight against Moses Itauma. Obviously, the bigger payday would be against Usyk for all his belts. It’s unlikely that he’ll choose to face Gassiev due to the lack of interest fans would have in this fight.
Last Updated on 10/16/2025
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