Murat Gassiev Stuns Kubrat Pulev to Claim WBA 'Regular' Heavyweight Title in Dubai
In a shocking turn of events, Russian heavyweight fighter Murat Gassiev knocked out Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round, claiming the vacant WBA 'regular' heavyweight title. The knockout blow came courtesy of a clean left hook that sent Pulev crashing to the canvas.
At 44 years old, Gassiev's victory was arguably a last-ditch effort to revive his career, but he proved more than capable of silencing doubts about his age and fitness. Meanwhile, Pulev's defeat marked the end of an era for the veteran boxer, who had previously faced two high-profile setbacks against Anthony Joshua in 2020 and 2022.
Gassiev's victory sets him up to face WBA 'super' champion Oleksandr Usyk next, a fight that could have significant implications for the heavyweight division. The two fighters first met at cruiserweight, with Usyk emerging victorious by unanimous decision. A rematch against Gassiev would represent a new chapter in their rivalry.
In addition to his showdown with Usyk, Gassiev will also be required to face Britain's Moses Itauma, who is next in line for a mandatory title defence. The WBA has already announced that the winner of this fight must face Itauma, setting up an intriguing prospect pool for Gassiev.
Itauma himself is looking to extend his 13-fight unbeaten record when he takes on American Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 24. With a string of high-profile fights now lined up for him, the young Briton is fast emerging as one of the division's most exciting prospects.
In a shocking turn of events, Russian heavyweight fighter Murat Gassiev knocked out Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev in the sixth round, claiming the vacant WBA 'regular' heavyweight title. The knockout blow came courtesy of a clean left hook that sent Pulev crashing to the canvas.
At 44 years old, Gassiev's victory was arguably a last-ditch effort to revive his career, but he proved more than capable of silencing doubts about his age and fitness. Meanwhile, Pulev's defeat marked the end of an era for the veteran boxer, who had previously faced two high-profile setbacks against Anthony Joshua in 2020 and 2022.
Gassiev's victory sets him up to face WBA 'super' champion Oleksandr Usyk next, a fight that could have significant implications for the heavyweight division. The two fighters first met at cruiserweight, with Usyk emerging victorious by unanimous decision. A rematch against Gassiev would represent a new chapter in their rivalry.
In addition to his showdown with Usyk, Gassiev will also be required to face Britain's Moses Itauma, who is next in line for a mandatory title defence. The WBA has already announced that the winner of this fight must face Itauma, setting up an intriguing prospect pool for Gassiev.
Itauma himself is looking to extend his 13-fight unbeaten record when he takes on American Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 24. With a string of high-profile fights now lined up for him, the young Briton is fast emerging as one of the division's most exciting prospects.
, and at 44 years old, he's still got some life left in him 
. I mean, who needs a midlife crisis when you can knock out someone half your age? 
Itauma's on fire 
too, 13-fight unbeaten record is no joke! This could be the start of something special for the young Briton. Can't wait to see him take on Moses Itauma and then Gassiev vs Usyk 
I think it's time we start talking about fighter age limits in boxing. When do you become too old to compete at the highest level? Shouldn't the WBA prioritize giving veterans like Pulev one last shot at glory instead of handing them a mandatory title defence against someone who's on a 13-fight unbeaten streak? 
. Now we gotta see how he handles Usyk next, those two would go toe-to-toe for sure 
. And Moses Itauma is looking like a real contender, I love the way he's on a roll 
. Gassiev vs Usyk next, can't wait to see who comes out on top! And poor Pulev, I guess he won't be getting his Anthony Joshua rematch now... RIP old boy 
.
and Moses Itauma is looking like a dark horse in all of this, 13-fight unbeaten record is insane 