Kubrat Pulev will defend his WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title against #12-ranked contender Murat Gassiev this Friday, December 12th, at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai.
WBA Belt at Stake
The 44-year-old Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) makes his first defense of his WBA secondary title after capturing the belt a year ago against Mahmoud Charr on December 7, 2024.
It’s taken Pulev longer than expected to get back in the ring, but he’s finally here against the former two-time cruiserweight champion Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs).
The fight is a toss-up for many, as Pulev has the experience and technical advantage. However, the 32-year-old Gassiev is younger and has superior punching power. His hand speed is one of his strengths as well. He’s far from fast, but his speed is better than the glacially slower Pulev.
Fight Details & Start Time
Pulev vs. Gassiev event will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 10:00 am ET / 7:00 am PT. The ring walks approximate time is at 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 PT.
Friday’s card on DAZN
- Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev
- Bakhodur Usmonov vs. Maxi Hughes
- Vadim Musaev vs. Tulani Mbenge
- Khariton Agrba vs. Ruben Nestor Neri Munoz
- Faizan Anwar vs. Khuseyn Baysangurov
- Dave Penalosa vs. Daud Alaev
The 16-year pro Pulev has slowed in recent years. When he was in his prime in 2014, he had respectable hand speed, a strong jab, and a nice left hook. At 44, the 6’4 1/2″ Pulev still possesses a strong jab and left hook. It’s just that they’re easier to see coming.
What’s kept the Bulgarian Kubrat going in the last three is a combination of careful matchmaking by his promoters and his technical skills. He still possesses the same skills as he did earlier in his career, but has only lost hand speed. The size is there, and he’s kept himself in good condition.
Pulev has won his last three fights since losing a questionable 12-round split decision to Derek Chisora in July 2022 in London. Since that loss, Pulev has victories over these three:
- Mahmoud Charr
- Ihor Shevadzutskyi
- Andrzej Wawrzyk
Gassiev comes into Friday’s fights having won his last two contests after losing a 12-round split decision to Otto Wallin in 2023. In Gassiev’s last two bouts, he’s beaten Kem Ljungquist and Jeremiah Milton.
Last Updated on 12/10/2025
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