WBA Sanctions Pulev vs. Gassiev — Insider Report

Boxing insider Dan Rafael reports that the World Boxing Association (WBA) will allow regular heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev to make a voluntary title defense against Murat Gassiev. This means the champion’s planned bout with rising British contender Moses Itauma will be postponed.

Previously, the WBA had ordered Pulev vs. Itauma as a mandatory title fight. However, shortly after that ruling, Pulev announced a clash with Gassiev, scheduled for December 12. The report states that the WBA was unaware that Pulev had signed a deal with Gassiev, and therefore sanctioned the fight with Itauma.

The WBA’s updated decision permits Pulev and Gassiev to fight for the belt, with the winner being obligated to face Itauma next.