Kubrat Pulev will defend his WBA ‘ordinary’ heavyweight title against #12 contender Murat Gassiev this Friday, December 12, at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai.
WBA belt on the line
The 44-year-old Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) is making his first defense of his WBA secondary title after winning the belt a year ago against Mahmoud Charr on December 7, 2024.
It took Pulev longer than expected to get back in the ring, but he’s finally here against former two-time cruiserweight champion Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs).
The fight is a toss up for many as Pulev has the experience and technical advantage. However, the 32-year-old Gassiev is younger and has superior punching power. His hand speed is also one of his strengths. He is far from fast, but his speed is better than the glacially slower Pulev.
Battle details and start time
Pulev vs. Gassiev event will be streamed live on DAZN from 10:00 am. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT. Ring walk time is at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT.
Friday’s card on DAZN
- Kubrat Pulev vs Murat Gassiev
- Bakhodur Usmonov vs Maxi Hughes
- Vadim Musaev vs Thulani Mbenge
- Khariton Agrba vs Ruben Nestor Neri Munoz
- Faizan Anwar vs Khuseyn Baysangurov
- Dave Penalosa vs. David Alaev
The 16-year pro Pulev has slowed down in recent years. In his prime in 2014, he had respectable hand speed, a strong jab and a nice left hook. At 44, the 6’4 1/2″ Pulev still possesses a strong jab and left hook. It’s just that they’re easier to see coming.
What has kept the Bulgarian Kubrat going in the last three is a combination of careful matchmaking by his promoters and his technical skills. He still possesses the same skills as earlier in his career, but has only lost hand speed. The size is there, and he has kept himself in good shape.
Pulev has won his last three fights since losing a questionable 12-round split decision to Derek Chisora ​​in July 2022 in London. Since that loss, Pulev has wins over these three:
- Mahmoud Carr
- Ihor Shevadzutskyi
- Andrzej Wawrzyk
Gassiev comes into Friday’s fights having won his last two bouts after losing a 12-round split decision to Otto Wallin in 2023. In Gassiev’s last two fights, he beat Kem Ljungquist and Jeremiah Milton.
Last updated on 12/10/2025
