The World Boxing Association has officially sanctioned the long-anticipated showdown between WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev and former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, clearing the way for one of the most high-stakes heavyweight championship fights to close out 2025.
On November 11, 2025, the WBA issued an official resolution approving Pulev vs. Gassiev and mandated that the winner must next face No. 1 contender Moses Itauma for the title, locking in a clear, undisputed path forward for the heavyweight division.
The bout headlines a landmark week of International Boxing Association (IBA) events in Dubai, where the IBA is staging its most ambitious slate ever—three major cards in six days—including world-level amateur finals, elite team matchups, and showcase professional bouts. The centerpiece, however, is unmistakable: Pulev vs. Gassiev, the fight that will determine who has earned the right to confront the reigning undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, for the mantle of “baddest man on the planet.”
A Massive Week of Boxing in Dubai
Pulev vs. Gassiev will be part of the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2 to December 13, headlining a blockbuster two-week Festival of Boxing.
The showpiece event will see the IBA welcome the world’s finest international talent to the region, all vying for a chance to capture championship glory and an opportunity to compete for a jaw-dropping $8 million in prize money. With a staggering $300,000 purse for the winner of each category, the competition stands to be the richest in the sport’s history.
This week of boxing in Dubai will include:
• IBA Elite Global Cup Finals (Dec 9–10)
National teams from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and Bulgaria compete for the cup in high-stakes amateur showdowns, featuring multiple Olympic medalists and rising stars.
• IBA Champions Night (Dec 11)
A pro-am hybrid event showcasing world medalists transitioning into the professional ranks, including:
– A 135-lb showcase featuring Cuban standout Andy Cruz,
– A 147-lb feature bout with European champion Samil Mutalimov,
– Women’s elite Bantamweight and Lightweight championships.
• IBA Heavyweight Super Card (Dec 12)
Anchored by Pulev vs. Gassiev, the card also features:
– Tervel Pulev returning at cruiserweight,
– Magomed Kurbanov (Gassiev’s stablemate) in a title eliminator,
– Two IBA-pro developmental bouts with world championship medalists.
• IBA Men’s Elite World Championships Finals (Dec 13)
The two-week IBA World Championships culminate in the global amateur finals—Olympic-level, gold-medal showdowns that close out the festival and reinforce Dubai as the center of the boxing world.
Fighter Quotes
Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev – WBA World Heavyweight Champion
“Fighting Murat Gassiev is exactly the kind of challenge a real champion wants. Dubai will see two warriors, two punchers, two men who come to win. I respect Murat, but I am the champion for a reason. I will defend my title with pride, and then I plan to call out Usyk for the undisputed crown. This is going to be epic!”
Murat Gassiev – Former Unified Cruiserweight Champion
“I have waited a long time for this opportunity. Pulev is a world champion and a strong fighter, but I am stronger now than I have ever been. I thank the WBA for approving this fight. The fans will see a real battle. I am coming for the knockout. Nothing will stop me from becoming world champion.”
Promoter Quotes
Ivaylo Gotzev – Epic Sports & Entertainment, Promoter of Kubrat Pulev
“There will be fireworks in Dubai on December 12, and you really don’t want to miss this one. Kubrat has been in camp in Berlin since September, and he is razor-sharp. Gassiev is a dangerous puncher, but Kubrat’s experience, conditioning, and ring IQ will be the difference. We thank the WBA for approving the fight and providing a clear path for Pulev’s championship journey.”
Al Siesta – IB Challenger, Promoter of Pulev vs. Gassiev Event
“The heavyweight division just woke up. Murat is a different animal at heavyweight—he punches like a mule, he’s disciplined, and he’s hungry. Pulev is a gentleman and a proud champion, but Murat brings fire and unpredictability. Dubai is the perfect setting for this global event. We applaud the WBA for sanctioning this great fight.”
John Wirt –Epic Sports & Entertainment, President and General Counsel
“It has been a long legal battle outside of the ring but we are delighted that we prevailed and we can report that the fight is now officially sanctioned for the world heavyweight championship. We are grateful that the WBA made the right call—two world-class heavyweights, both in full training camps, both ready to rumble. And thanks to the WBA’s clear roadmap, the winner will face Itauma and then move directly toward the undisputed championship against Usyk. This is how the division should function. Dubai will witness something special.”
A Fight With Global Heavyweight Consequences
The WBA’s decision ensures:
Pulev–Gassiev is fully sanctioned and official
Itauma remains mandatory and will get the winner
The winner of Pulev–Gassiev is one step from undisputed
The division avoids months of inactivity and appeals
In a year where the heavyweight landscape has shifted dramatically, Dubai becomes the epicenter of the sport.
Event Details
Date: December 12, 2025
Sanctioning: World Boxing Association (WBA) World Heavyweight Championship
Main Event: Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev
Location: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
