Kubrat Pulev will put his WBA secondary heavyweight title on the line against Murat Gassiev on Friday, December 12 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The bout headlines a card co-promoted by IBA Pro and Epic Sports and Entertainment.
The 44-year-old Pulev will make his first defense of the belt he captured last December, when he scored a unanimous decision win over Mahmoud Charr in Bulgaria. Since suffering a split-decision loss to Derek Chisora in 2022, the Bulgarian veteran has rebounded with three consecutive victories. “It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title,” Pulev said in a press release. “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, the 32-year-old former unified cruiserweight champion from Vladikavkaz, Russia, enters the fight on a two-bout knockout streak, stopping Jeremiah Milton and Kem Ljungquist following a split-decision loss to Otto Wallin in 2023. Confident and motivated, Gassiev vowed to make the most of his opportunity: “Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment. I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight on the planet - so I will be bringing the heat to Dubai.”
Fight card:
▪️Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev, 12 rounds, for Pulev’s WBA “Regular” heavyweight title
