Moses Itauma will implement his necessary shot at Kubrat Pulev, even because the WBA belt-holder declares another bout subsequent.
Pulev is the holder of a WBA common title, one among that sanctioning physique’s secondary belts, as Oleksandr Usyk is their full, or ‘Tremendous’, world champion.
The WBA have ordered that Pulev should make a compulsory defence of his belt towards rising star Moses Itauma and gave the events 30 days to barter earlier than that bout goes to purse bids.
However Pulev intends to make a voluntary defence towards Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai.
Itauma’s promoter Queensberry nonetheless expects to safe that necessary title problem towards Pulev.
“Queensberry Promotions was informed in writing by the World Boxing Association (WBA) on Tuesday October 14 that Moses Itauma is the mandatory challenger for its heavyweight world title, which Queensberry has written to the WBA to agree and accept,” a spokesperson for Queensberry informed Sky Sports activities.
“This situation has not changed, and Queensberry Promotions fully expects the negotiation process for Moses Itauma to challenge for the WBA heavyweight world title to be conducted in line with the WBA’s rules regarding such matters.”
Pulev’s group preserve that he can take a voluntary defence subsequent.
John Wirt, president of Epic Sports activities & Entertainment, mentioned: “Epic Sports and Kubrat Pulev contested the WBA resolutions prematurely ordering Pulev to fight Fabio Wardley and later Michael Hunter.
“To guard his rights, Pulev was compelled to start arbitration proceedings towards the WBA earlier than the Court docket of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. That matter was settled on August 20, 2025, via a proper Settlement Settlement that expressly gave Pulev the suitable to make a voluntary title defence.
“Acting fully in accordance with that Settlement Agreement, Epic Sports and the promoters of Murat Gassiev signed an agreement on October 8, 2025, to promote the Pulev-Gassiev world heavyweight title bout in Dubai on December 12, 2025.
“Yesterday’s WBA Decision is inconsistent with that Settlement Settlement and the events’ binding commitments underneath it and we totally count on that WBA might be rescinding the identical in order that Pulev-Gassiev can proceed.”
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Barry Jones discusses who heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma may battle subsequent following his first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte
Bulgaria’s Pulev hasn’t boxed since beating Mahmoud Charr in December of final yr. He mentioned: “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 mentioned: “Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment.
“I imagine I’ve the ability to knock out any heavyweight on the planet – so I might be bringing the warmth to Dubai. It is going to be an historic evening for me.
“It is my intention to show everybody the absolute best version of Murat Gassiev and put the boxing world on notice once again.”
