MOSES ITAUMA’S path to a first title fight has suddenly become a little less clear.
The WBA recently ordered its Regular heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev to defend his belt against the unbeaten Brit, but that plan may already be in trouble.
Award-winning journalist Dan Rafael reported on X last night that Pulev has seemingly agreed to face another opponent.
“Breaking: Per source, although WBA on Tuesday ordered Pulev-Itauma, Pulev several days earlier signed to defend vs. the WBA No. 12-rated Murat Gassiev on Dec. 12 in Dubai for a fight that has not yet been announced,” Rafael posted.
Itauma had been expected to box on Queensberry’s December 13 show in Manchester — a card set to feature the 50th and final fight of Derek Chisora’s career. But with Pulev tied up and Chisora still waiting on an opponent, both men are in limbo for now.
The WBA gave Pulev and Itauma 30 days to reach an agreement or face purse bids. With the Manchester date only eight weeks away, the clock is ticking.
If Pulev is allowed to go ahead with Gassiev on December 12, Itauma may have to wait longer for his shot at the WBA belt. The situation has left more questions than answers. Did the WBA already know about Pulev’s plans? And if Itauma can’t face the winner until next year, does that mean he’s back in play for the Manchester card?
Hopefully, clarity comes soon. After boxing four times in 2024, Itauma — regarded by many as the hottest prospect in the heavyweight division — has fought just twice this year, spending less than six minutes in the ring in total.
