Kubrat Pulev is set to defend his WBA secondary heavyweight title on Friday, December 12 when he meets former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev, according to a press release.
The fight, which takes place at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, will headline an IBA Pro and Epic Sports and Entertainment card.
Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), will be making the first defense of the secondary title belt he won last December, when he defeated Mahmoud Charr by unanimous decision in Pulev’s home country of Bulgaria. The 44-year-old has won three straight since losing a split decision in 2022 to Derek Chisora.
“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title," said Pulev in a press release. “I respect Murat Gassiev - he is a powerful and dangerous opponent - but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight.”
Gassiev, 32-2 (25 KOs), of Vladikavkaz, Russia has been on a hot streak in his last two fights, stopping both Jeremiah Milton and Kem Ljungquist in his last two bouts, which followed a split decision loss to Otto Wallin in September of 2023.
"Kubrat Pulev is a tough, experienced opponent, but I am built for this moment," said the 32-year-old Gassiev. “I believe I have the power to knock out any heavyweight on the planet - so I will be bringing the heat to Dubai. It will be an historic night for me and I will be extremely proud to bring the WBA title back home to Russia.”
