Pulev vs. Gassiev set for Dec. 12 in Dubai: WBA Regular title on the line
Kubrat Pulev will defend his WBA Regular heavyweight title against Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai. Both fighters are ranked inside the world’s top 20, setting up a compelling crossroads bout between a seasoned technician and a punishing ex-cruiserweight champion.
Dubai, UAE - Kubrat Pulev will defend his WBA “Regular” heavyweight title against former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev on Friday, December 12, headlining an IBA Pro 13 card in Dubai—planned for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The matchup surfaced just a day after the WBA ordered Pulev to face rising contender Moses Itauma; instead, Team Pulev moved to a voluntary defense against Gassiev. Both Pulev and Gassiev are widely viewed as top-20 heavyweights heading into the bout.
Dubai’s boxing scene heats up as Kubrat Pulev meets Murat Gassiev on Dec. 12 for the WBA Regular heavyweight crown. Preview, analysis, and what’s at stake.
The stakes
Title picture: Pulev’s secondary WBA belt is at play while Oleksandr Usyk still holds the actual WBA title; beating Gassiev would keep the Bulgarian in the rotation for elite-level opportunities as the division’s traffic jam clears.
Venue/date: The event is slated for Dec. 12 (Friday) at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium under the IBA Pro banner (Epic Sports & Entertainment involved).
Ranking context: HeavyweightBoxing.com lists Pulev at No. 20 and Gassiev at No. 16 in its current world top-30, underscoring this as a genuine top-tier clash rather than a stay-busy defense.
Record/age: 32-3 (14 KOs), 44 years old Recent form & belt: Captured the WBA “Regular” strap by outpointing Mahmoud Charr in Sofia (UD 12; 117-111, 117-111, 116-112) and now makes his first defense.
Style & tools:
Jab-first architecture: Pulev’s identity is a stiff, busy jab from a high guard—he controls distance, scores points, and sets the straight right.
Clinching and rhythm breaks: When opponents gain momentum, he’ll smother and reset; he’s comfortable winning rounds more than chasing finishes.
Experience vs. elite: The Bulgarian has shared rings with Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua, and his ringcraft has aged well.
Path to victory vs. Gassiev:
First-phase denial: Don’t let Gassiev set his feet—double jab, step off, and pivot to make the Russian reset.
Straight-line scoring: Long one-twos and quick tie-ups inside to avoid mid-range exchanges where Gassiev’s hooks and right hands detonate.
Cardio management: Disciplined pace over 12, forcing Gassiev to chase and elongating exchanges into clinches on Pulev’s terms.
Murat Gassiev — the pressure puncher reboot
Record/age: 32-2 (25 KOs), 31 years old Pedigree: Former unified cruiserweight champion (IBF/WBA) who blasted Yuniel Dorticós in the WBSS before losing the undisputed final to Oleksandr Usyk in 2018, then moved to heavyweight.
Recent form: Gassiev resumed to form with a TKO over Jeremiah Milton in Miami this August, steadying his heavyweight rebuild ahead of this title shot.
Style & weapons:
Compact power: Heavy, concise hooks and a drilling right hand—especially dangerous when he closes distance behind subtle pressure steps.
Body work & carry-over damage: Historically invested downstairs at cruiser; at heavyweight he’s focused more on single heavy touches to set up the next shot.
Defensive look: High guard with parries; can be timed on entries if the feet get linear.
Path to victory vs. Pulev:
Cut the ring early: Win the geography—jab to chest, quick step-ins to take away Pulev’s jab.
Work the ribs, then upstairs: Make the body a tax site to slow Pulev’s movement before hunting the right-hand counter over the jab.
Five-to-nine surge: If his pressure yields position by the mid-rounds, look for a momentum swing and attritional damage that judges can’t ignore.
🥊 Announced: Kubrat Pulev will defend his WBA 'regular' heavyweight belt against Murat Gassiev on Dec 12th in Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/VJZ6nnPEoH
Range vs. pressure: Pulev’s jab and clinch craft vs. Gassiev’s compact power and body work.
Age vs. prime strength: At 44, Pulev’s economy and experience have to offset Gassiev’s younger legs and power.
Judges’ optics: Clean jab scoring and ring generalship (Pulev) versus the “heavy moments” Gassiev creates when he lands—rounds could split on what the judges value.
Why it matters in a crowded heavyweight year
With Oleksandr Usyk holding the crown and multiple interim/secondary belts in circulation, Pulev-Gassiev shapes the WBA lane behind the champion. A convincing win keeps the door open for title-rotation leverage in 2026, while the loser drops back into the fringes. For Dubai and the IBA Pro series, it’s another marquee heavyweight showcase on a global stage.
