Pulev Set for First Title Defence at IBA Pro 13
WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev will 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 bout, to be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, headlines a two-week festival of boxing that will feature both professional and amateur world championship contests.
A Battle Between Experience and Power
Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) captured the WBA title with a unanimous decision victory over Mahmoud Charr in Sofia, Bulgaria, in March 2024. The 44-year-old Bulgarian veteran is known for his disciplined jab, composure, and ring IQ, with previous world title challenges against Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua on his résumé.
Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs), a former unified cruiserweight world champion, brings knockout power and aggression to the contest. Since moving to heavyweight, the 32-year-old Russian has strung together a series of stoppage wins, most recently halting Jeremiah Milton in August.
The fight presents a classic boxer vs puncher matchup — Pulev’s technical precision against Gassiev’s explosive power.
Quotes from the Promoters
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, said the announcement marks “a tremendous bout for the WBA Heavyweight Title,” noting that Gassiev aims to become Russia’s first heavyweight champion since Alexander Povetkin.
Fighters Eager for a Defining Night
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.”
