Pulev Set for First Title Defence at IBA Pro 13
WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev was set to make the first defence of his title against Murat Gassiev in Dubai on Friday, 12 December 2025, as part of the BetCity IBA Pro 13 event promoted by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and Epic Sports & Entertainment. The highly anticipated bout, held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, headlined a two-week festival of boxing that featured both professional and amateur world championship contests.
The clash brought together two formidable heavyweights with contrasting styles, promising a compelling spectacle for boxing fans worldwide. Pulev, the seasoned veteran, aimed to solidify his reign, while Gassiev, the powerful former cruiserweight king, sought to establish himself at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
Fighter Profiles and Paths to the Title
Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs entering the fight) captured the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Mahmoud Charr in Sofia, Bulgaria, on December 7, 2024. This victory, achieved in his hometown, marked a significant milestone for the 44-year-old Bulgarian veteran, making him the first Bulgarian heavyweight champion. Pulev is renowned for his disciplined jab, composure, and high ring IQ. His extensive résumé includes previous world title challenges against two of the era’s most dominant heavyweights: Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 and Anthony Joshua in 2020, both ending in knockout losses. Prior to facing Gassiev, Pulev had strung together three consecutive victories, demonstrating his continued relevance at the elite level of the sport.
Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs entering the fight), a former unified cruiserweight world champion, brought undeniable knockout power and aggression to the heavyweight contest. The 32-year-old Russian had successfully transitioned to the heavyweight division, accumulating a series of impressive stoppage wins. His most recent outing saw him halt Jeremiah Milton via technical knockout due to a doctor stoppage in the seventh round on August 23, 2025. Before that, Gassiev had secured a fifth-round TKO over Kem Ljungquist in October 2024 and a second-round knockout of Mike Balogun in March 2023. His only loss in recent memory came against Otto Wallin by split decision in September 2023. Gassiev’s powerful, aggressive style made him a dangerous challenger for any heavyweight champion.
The fight presented a classic boxer vs puncher matchup — Pulev’s technical precision and veteran savvy against Gassiev’s explosive power and relentless pressure.
Pre-Fight Anticipation and Quotes
The promoters expressed immense excitement for the event. Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of Epic Sports & Entertainment, called the event “a culmination of persistence and purpose,” adding that the Dubai stage “represents the perfect backdrop for a global heavyweight spectacle.”
Al Siesta, CEO of IBA Pro, highlighted the significance of the title bout, stating that the announcement marked “a tremendous bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title.” He also noted Gassiev’s ambition to become Russia’s first heavyweight champion since Alexander Povetkin, adding a layer of national pride to the contest.
Both fighters conveyed their readiness and determination. Kubrat Pulev expressed excitement for his first defence, saying:
“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title. I respect Murat Gassiev — he is powerful and dangerous — but I am ready and focused.”
Gassiev, confident in his power, responded:
“Kubrat Pulev is experienced, but I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight. I will be bringing the heat to Dubai and plan to take the WBA title back home to Russia.”
The Clash in Dubai: Outcome and Aftermath
The highly anticipated WBA Heavyweight Title fight between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev indeed took place as scheduled on December 12, 2025, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The bout delivered on its promise of drama, culminating in a sensational finish that reshaped the WBA heavyweight landscape.
In a dramatic turn of events, Murat Gassiev secured a stunning sixth-round knockout victory over Kubrat Pulev, dethroning the Bulgarian veteran and claiming the WBA (Regular) Heavyweight Title. The fight, which had seen both men feeling each other out in the early rounds, exploded in the sixth when Gassiev unleashed a “crunching left-hook” that sent Pulev crashing to the canvas. Pulev, visibly dazed, was unable to beat the referee’s count, and the fight was waved off at 50 seconds into the round.
The victory marked Gassiev’s 26th career knockout and elevated his professional record to 33-2, 26 KOs. For Pulev, the loss was his fourth professional defeat, moving his record to 32-4, 14 KOs. In the aftermath, Gassiev expressed respect for his opponent, stating, “I have a lot of respect for Kubrat [Pulev]. He’s a great champion and a great person. I only have respect for him. This is boxing, and I hope his health is good and he has no injuries.”
This triumph was particularly significant for Gassiev and Russian boxing, as he became the nation’s first world heavyweight champion in thirteen years, fulfilling the ambition noted by Al Siesta pre-fight. The WBA (Regular) title, while a secondary belt to Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA (Super) championship, positions Gassiev prominently within the division. Following his decisive victory, Gassiev is now mandated to defend his newly acquired title against rising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, setting the stage for another compelling matchup in the heavyweight ranks.
