Pulev, Wardley, Miller, and Hunter: WBA to Launch Heavyweight Tournament

The World Boxing Association (WBA) is set to host a mini-tournament in the heavyweight division, according to Boxing Scene.

The WBA has confirmed a four-man playoff featuring Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), Fabio Wardley (18-0-1, 17 KOs), Michael Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs), and Jarrell Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs).

Per the WBA’s decision, Pulev will defend his WBA Regular title against Hunter, while Wardley will face Miller for the organization’s interim title. The winners of these two bouts must square off within 180 days of their respective fights—but no later than December 31, 2025.

The Wardley vs. Miller bout is scheduled for June 7 in Ipswich, England—Wardley’s hometown. Pulev and Hunter have 30 days to negotiate terms for their clash.

These developments do not affect reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk, whose status remains unchanged.

The 43-year-old Pulev captured the WBA Regular belt in December 2024 with a unanimous decision win over Mahmoud Charr. Hunter enters the tournament riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak—his sole professional loss came back in 2017 against Oleksandr Usyk.

In October, Wardley secured a first-round TKO win in his rematch with fellow Brit Frazer Clarke. Meanwhile, Jarrell Miller hasn’t managed back-to-back wins in recent outings: he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in the 10th round in December 2023, and fought to a draw with Andy Ruiz in June 2024.