Boxing fans saw Murat Gassiev shut down Kubrat Pulev and the talk went straight to power. Right enough. Heavyweights still decide nights with one clean punch, and Gassiev reminded everyone in Dubai of that.
But that knockout was not the real aftershock of IBA Pro 13. The real noise started the moment the belt landed on Gassiev’s shoulder. Because from that second on, the name that sat right behind him was Moses Itauma.
Because the moment Gassiev picked up that WBA belt, the division quietly put one name behind him. Compulsory. No detours. No soft landings. The latest heavyweight everyone has been hyping is now staring straight at a guy who doesn’t miss when he charges up.
Why Itauma is now front and center
Itauma was sold as the future for a reason. Quick feet. Sharp balance. Itauma seems comfortable in there in a way that usually takes a few scares to learn. He doesn’t rush, doesn’t litter, doesn’t lose his temper when things slow down. This kind of control usually takes years to learn.
What he hasn’t faced yet is a heavyweight who can end a fight without building momentum.
Gassiev doesn’t need rhythm. He doesn’t need laps to warm up. Against Pulev, he waited, read one mistake and exploded. That left hook wasn’t flashy. It was heavy, compact and brutal.
That’s the kind of power that forces prospects to grow up fast.
Style analysis: Youth versus consequence
Itauma wins with speed and cleanliness. He touches, walks off, touches again. He makes opponents look half a beat slow. Against most heavyweights it is enough.
Gassiev shrinks the ring. He doesn’t rush recklessly, but he compresses space until exchanges happen whether you want them to or not. When they do, his shots don’t hit. They damage.
If Itauma stays at range and controls distance perfectly, he can bank early rounds. If he gets greedy, even once, the fight can turn instantly. Heavyweights don’t get learning rounds against punchers like this.
That’s the risk. And that’s why people inside gyms are suddenly paying attention.
Why this battle is dangerous for everyone involved
For Itauma, this opportunity and danger rolled into one. Beat Gassiev and the hype turns into legitimacy overnight. Lose badly and the climb slows whether anyone admits it or not.
For Gassiev, it’s about timing. He is not interested in waiting behind politics or names that do not want to sign. A tie against a young, undefeated heavyweight keeps him active and relevant. He’s already talked about Wembley. This is how you force those conversations.
Gassiev kept it respectable after the win. Calm. Measured. No chest pounding.
But make no mistake. This version of him is not here to mentor anyone.
At heavyweight, belief matters. Power matters more.
And Moses Itauma just became part of that equation whether he wanted to or not.
Last updated on 13/12/2025
