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WBA Orders Kubrat Pulev to Face Rising Star Moses Itauma

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 3:17 PM ET

The WBA has officially ordered heavyweight veteran Kubrat Pulev to defend his “regular” title against undefeated phenom Moses Itauma, setting a 30-day negotiation window for both camps to reach terms before purse bids are called.

In a ruling confirmed Thursday, the WBA instructed Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) and Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) to finalize a deal by November 14. If no agreement is reached, the sanctioning body will open the matchup to a purse bid.

The decision propels the 20-year-old Itauma, The Ring’s 2024 Prospect of the Year, into his first world title opportunity after an explosive campaign that saw him dispatch Mike Balogun and former interim titleholder Dillian Whyte in dominant fashion.

Moses Itauma will fight for a WBA heavyweight belt after being ordered to challenge Kubrat Pulev pic.twitter.com/puUb4GJttb

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 15, 2025

The Fallout for Michael Hunter

The order comes at the expense of Michael Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs). Who was previously positioned to face Pulev but lost his spot after a planned bout with Jarrell Miller collapsed during Canelo–Crawford fight week. The WBA cited a failure by both Pulev and Hunter to return signed contracts in time, effectively voiding Hunter’s mandatory status.

Pulev’s Late-Career Run

At 44, Pulev remains a stalwart of the heavyweight scene. Riding a three-fight win streak since his 2022 split-decision loss to Derek Chisora. His most recent outing, a wide points victory over Mahmoud Charr last December in Bulgaria, earned him the WBA’s secondary belt and positioned him for one more significant payday.

Itauma’s Meteoric Rise

The WBA’s ruling continues Itauma’s rapid ascent from teenage prodigy to world-level contender. His first-round knockout of Whyte in August, headlining a Riyadh card, underscored his power and composure. Promoter Frank Warren has hinted that Itauma will headline again in Manchester on December 13. Just two weeks shy of his 21st birthday.

What Comes Next

Negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with Itauma’s team at Queensberry Promotions eager to push for a UK venue. Pulev’s camp, led by Epic Sports, could seek neutral ground or a site fee from the Middle East.

If finalized, Pulev vs. Itauma would pit generational experience against youth. In one of the most intriguing heavyweight clashes of the year potentially signaling the dawn of a new era in the division.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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