The WBA ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend the “regular” heavyweight title against unbeaten prodigy Moses Itauma, opening a 30-day negotiation window with purse bid as a backstop. Days later, Pulev confirmed a defense vs. Murat Gassiev on Dec 12 in Dubai, which effectively pushes the Itauma mandate down the calendar (or into an administrative decision).
What the WBA mandated — and why it matters
-
The order: Pulev (32-3) vs. Itauma (13-0) as a mandatory, 30 days to agree, otherwise purse bid. The WBA’s Championship Committee can intervene if needed.
-
Where it sits in the belt tree: this is the WBA “regular” title; Usyk holds the WBA “super” championship. For a 20-year-old like Itauma, it’s a rocket ride to secondary gold in just his 14th pro fight.
The swerve: Pulev prioritizes Murat Gassiev
-
Parallel announcement: Pulev vs. Gassiev locked for Dec 12 (Dubai), reportedly honoring a prior commitment.
-
Ripple effect: the Itauma mandatory is deferred for months; British and trade press frame it as an impasse that may go before the WBA board.
-
Team Itauma’s stance: they’ve indicated they’ll enforce the mandatory status and push the WBA to keep the line after Gassiev.
Deadlines & bureaucracy — realistic paths from here
-
Voluntary deal after Gassiev: if Pulev wins and stays healthy on 12/12, sides could re-open talks and stage Pulev–Itauma in H1 next year.
-
Purse bid (auction): without a deal inside the (re-started) clock, the WBA can call a purse bid, awarding promotion to the highest bidder.
-
Exceptions/deferrals: the Committee may recognize the Gassiev contract and reset the clock—today’s most likely administrative outcome.
-
Non-compliance: if the WBA deems bad faith, they could sanction the champion (timelines/status). There’s no public signal of that, yet.
Why Pulev vs. Itauma is a huge matchup
-
Changing-of-the-guard theater: a 20-year-old phenom (fresh off viral wins and big-room spotlights) chasing a secondary strap vs. a savvy, still-dangerous veteran.
-
Roads to 2026: if Itauma wins, doors open to unifications or high-profile “bridge fights”; if Pulev wins, the veteran freezes the hype and repositions for a bigger purse.
What each camp must nail (tactics & business)
Moses Itauma
-
Tactics: assert lead hand + short entries to deny clinch slows; chop the base early; avoid widening the guard during counters.
-
Business: keep administrative pressure on the WBA and line up a plan-B opponent (ex-contender) so the calendar doesn’t go cold.
Kubrat Pulev
-
Tactics: at 44, economy wins—firm jab, intelligent clinch, and round management.
-
Business: fulfill Gassiev 12/12 and, if victorious, publicly map the mandatory next—or negotiate a clear, dated exception.
Timeline
-
Oct 14: WBA orders Pulev vs. Itauma; 30-day talks open.
-
Following week: Pulev announces Gassiev for Dec 12, Dubai.
-
Today: expectation is deferral of the mandatory; Team Itauma insists on enforcing their status.
Quick FAQ
Is this the “real” world title?
It’s the WBA “regular” belt; Usyk is the WBA “super” champion.
Could it go to purse bid?
Yes—if no agreement is reached inside the window, the WBA can auction promotion rights.
Does the Gassiev fight violate the order?
Reports suggest Pulev had a signed obligation, allowing the WBA to tolerate Gassiev first and re-clock the mandatory after.
The WBA lit the fuse on a can’t-miss narrative—Itauma vs. Pulev—but Gassiev took the next calendar slot. Over the next month we’ll learn whether this becomes a purse-bid drama, a dated exception, or a re-scheduled mandatory. For fans, that means one of two arcs in 2026: a youth takeover—or another chapter of the veteran who won’t let go.
-
Comment: would you rather see Pulev–Itauma next, or Pulev–Gassiev first to heat the division?
-
Subscribe: get official dates, purse-bid updates, and our heavyweight matchmaking map.