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 12th in Dubai, UAE.
The WBA ordered Pulev, 44, to defend against #1 Moses Itauma after he failed to land a fight against #2 Michael Hunter. However, Pulev and his team decided to instead take on 14-year-old pro Gassiev in a fight that should be entertaining while 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’s a powerful and dangerous opponent – but I’m 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 can’t rule out a win for Gassive because Pulev is slow and getting there in age. Although Gassiev is slow, he’s still a big puncher, and that’s all it will take to defeat what’s left of Pulev.
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 moving up in weight.
Gassiev lost to Otto Wallin on September 30, 2023 via a 12-round split decision. Losing to Wallin put things into 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 will revive 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. He is unlikely to choose to face Gassiev due to the lack of interest fans would have in this fight.
Last updated on 16/10/2025
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