Moses Itauma’s next fight is now expected to take place on February 7, following a confusing sequence of events surrounding the WBA’s secondary heavyweight title. The sanctioning body had recently ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend his belt against Itauma, only for a conflicting announcement from the IBA to declare that Pulev would instead face Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai.
A source close to the situation clarified that the WBA had not sanctioned Pulev vs. Gassiev. “That fight has not been ordered by the WBA,” the source said. “If Pulev does fight Gassiev, then the WBA should strip him.” Pulev was initially permitted a voluntary defense but failed to organize it in time, prompting the WBA to enforce a fight with their top contender, Itauma. Both camps were given until November 14 to reach a deal before the bout would move to purse bids.
The controversy further highlights the longstanding confusion surrounding the WBA’s so-called “regular” heavyweight belt, which is a secondary title that has previously been held by Lucas Browne, Trevor Bryan, and Charr. Despite its diminished status, the belt can serve as a launchpad for major fights, as seen when Daniel Dubois leveraged it into a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.
So, with Queensberry Promotions still pushing to secure his mandatory opportunity, the 20-year-old British contender will wait for the WBA’s final ruling on Pulev’s situation before confirming his opponent for February.
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