Kubrat Pulev Vs. Murat Gassiev Breakdown

Pre-Fight

“At IBA.Pro 13 in Dubai, things are going to get truly intense. I am confident that the whole world will be watching the Gassiev vs Pulev fight, because the world title is on the line. We expect spectacular boxing and a competitive battle between two opponents of the highest calibre. This boxing night will, for the first time, be held as part of IBA Boxing Festival in Dubai.

We are actively developing the IBA ecosystem, which unites our vast IBA boxing family and offers unprecedented opportunities. I am confident that the IBA.Pro Champions’ Night will go down in history alongside the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships as events that delivered the best fights of the year,” Umar Kremlev (President of the International Boxing Association) said

The Approach

Pulev’s most potent weapon will be his left jab. Snapping the jab to Gassiev’s head and chest repeatedly, forcing him to reset or absorb the shot while moving forward, thereby disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from setting his feet for power shots. He will double and triple the jab to keep Gassiev on the end of his range. When Gassiev closes the distance, Pulev must avoid being drawn into a brawl where Gassiev’s hooks can hurt him. Pulev will look to land a straight right hand as Gassiev enters, or immediately tie him up.

Gassiev’s chief task is to get past Pulev’s long jab without taking punishment. He will likely adopt a high guard, using subtle head movement and angled pressure steps rather than leaping in, to consistently cut off the ring. He will heavily invest in body shots—early in the fight. This body work is critical, as it aims to slow the 44-year-old Pulev’s footwork and sap his stamina in the later rounds, making him an easier target for a knockout.