The World Boxing Affiliation has formally sanctioned the long-anticipated showdown between WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev and former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, clearing the best way for one of the vital high-stakes heavyweight championship fights to shut out 2025.
On November 11, 2025, the WBA issued an official decision approving Pulev vs. Gassiev and mandated that the winner should subsequent face No. 1 contender Moses Itauma for the title, locking in a transparent, undisputed path ahead for the heavyweight division.
The bout headlines a landmark week of Worldwide Boxing Affiliation (IBA) occasions in Dubai, the place the IBA is staging its most formidable slate ever—three main playing cards in six days—together with world-level novice finals, elite workforce matchups, and showcase skilled bouts. The centerpiece, nonetheless, is unmistakable: Pulev vs. Gassiev, the combat that can decide who has earned the precise to confront the reigning undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, for the mantle of “baddest man on the planet.”
A Large Week of Boxing in Dubai
Pulev vs. Gassiev might be a part of the 2025 IBA Males’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2 to December 13, headlining a blockbuster two-week Competition of Boxing.
The showpiece occasion will see the IBA welcome the world’s most interesting worldwide expertise to the area, all vying for an opportunity to seize championship glory and a possibility to compete for a jaw-dropping $8 million in prize cash. With a staggering $300,000 purse for the winner of every class, the competitors stands to be the richest within the sport’s historical past.
This week of boxing in Dubai will embrace:
• IBA Elite World Cup Finals (Dec 9–10)
Nationwide groups from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and Bulgaria compete for the cup in high-stakes novice showdowns, that includes a number of Olympic medalists and rising stars.
• IBA Champions Night time (Dec 11)
A professional-am hybrid occasion showcasing world medalists transitioning into the skilled ranks, together with:– A 135-lb showcase that includes Cuban standout Andy Cruz,– A 147-lb function bout with European champion Samil Mutalimov,– Girls’s elite Bantamweight and Light-weight championships.
• IBA Heavyweight Tremendous Card (Dec 12)
Anchored by Pulev vs. Gassiev, the cardboard additionally options:– Tervel Pulev returning at cruiserweight,– Magomed Kurbanov (Gassiev’s stablemate) in a title eliminator,– Two IBA-pro developmental bouts with world championship medalists.
• IBA Males’s Elite World Championships Finals (Dec 13)
The 2-week IBA World Championships culminate within the world novice finals—Olympic-level, gold-medal showdowns that shut out the competition and reinforce Dubai as the middle of the boxing world.
Fighter Quotes
Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev – WBA World Heavyweight Champion
“Combating Murat Gassiev is precisely the form of problem an actual champion desires. Dubai will see two warriors, two punchers, two males who come to win. I respect Murat, however I’m the champion for a cause. I’ll defend my title with satisfaction, after which I plan to name out Usyk for the undisputed crown. That is going to be epic!”
Murat Gassiev – Former Unified Cruiserweight Champion
“I’ve waited a very long time for this chance. Pulev is a world champion and a robust fighter, however I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been. I thank the WBA for approving this combat. The followers will see an actual battle. I’m coming for the knockout. Nothing will cease me from changing into world champion.”
Promoter Quotes
Ivaylo Gotzev – Epic Sports activities & Leisure, Promoter of Kubrat Pulev
“There might be fireworks in Dubai on December 12, and you actually don’t need to miss this one. Kubrat has been in camp in Berlin since September, and he’s razor-sharp. Gassiev is a harmful puncher, however Kubrat’s expertise, conditioning, and ring IQ would be the distinction. We thank the WBA for approving the combat and offering a transparent path for Pulev’s championship journey.”
Al Siesta – IB Challenger, Promoter of Pulev vs. Gassiev Occasion
“The heavyweight division simply awakened. Murat is a special animal at heavyweight—he punches like a mule, he’s disciplined, and he’s hungry. Pulev is a gentleman and a proud champion, however Murat brings hearth and unpredictability. Dubai is the right setting for this world occasion. We applaud the WBA for sanctioning this nice combat.”
John Wirt –Epic Sports activities & Leisure, President and Basic Counsel
“It has been an extended authorized battle exterior of the ring however we’re delighted that we prevailed and we are able to report that the combat is now formally sanctioned for the world heavyweight championship. We’re grateful that the WBA made the precise name—two world-class heavyweights, each in full coaching camps, each able to rumble. And due to the WBA’s clear roadmap, the winner will face Itauma after which transfer instantly towards the undisputed championship in opposition to Usyk. That is how the division ought to perform. Dubai will witness one thing particular.”
A Struggle With World Heavyweight Penalties
The WBA’s determination ensures:
Pulev–Gassiev is absolutely sanctioned and officialItauma stays necessary and can get the winnerThe winner of Pulev–Gassiev is one step from undisputedThe division avoids months of inactivity and appeals
In a 12 months the place the heavyweight panorama has shifted dramatically, Dubai turns into the epicenter of the game.
Occasion Particulars
Date: December 12, 2025Sanctioning: World Boxing Affiliation (WBA) World Heavyweight ChampionshipMain Occasion: Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev
Location: Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Stadium
