Don King Wins 1.1 Million WBA Purse Bid: Kubrat Pulev vs. Michael Hunter Set for August 23

Deerfield Beach, Florida - In a move that defies both age and expectation, 93-year-old boxing impresario Don King has once again thrust himself into the heavyweight limelight. King secured the promotional rights to the WBA 'Regular' heavyweight title bout between Kubrat Pulev and Michael Hunter with a winning purse bid of $1.1 million. The fight is scheduled for August 23, with potential venues including Florida, Las Vegas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs)
At 44, Bulgaria's Pulev is no stranger to the ring's harsh spotlight. Having claimed the WBA 'Regular' title with a unanimous decision over Mahmoud Charr in December 2024, Pulev seeks to solidify his legacy in what many consider the twilight of his career

Michael Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs)
The 36-year-old American, known as "The Bounty Hunter," has been a perennial contender in the heavyweight division. After moving up from cruiserweight, Hunter has amassed a respectable record, including a recent fifth-round TKO victory over Christian Larrondo Garcia in December last year. This bout represents a significant opportunity for Hunter to claim a version of the heavyweight title and reassert his position among the division's elite.

While the WBA 'Regular' title often plays second fiddle to its 'Super' counterpart, this fight carries implications beyond the belt. The WBA has mandated that the winner of Pulev vs. Hunter must face the victor of the upcoming interim title clash between Fabio Wardley and Justis Huni, scheduled for June 7. This sequence of bouts aims to bring clarity to the WBA's heavyweight hierarchy, with a unification bout required by December 31, 2025.

King's successful bid is a testament to his enduring presence in boxing. Despite the sport's shift towards digital platforms and new promotional entities, King remains a formidable force, often relying on traditional methods that harken back to boxing's golden eras. His involvement adds a layer of intrigue and nostalgia to the event, reminding fans of the sport's rich history and the personalities that have shaped it.

Pulev vs. Hunter is more than a title fight; it's a convergence of past and present, experience and ambition.

Stay tuned for further updates on venue selection and official announcements as the event approaches.