Itauma-Pulev Heavyweight Clash Ordered by WBA, Potential December Bout Looms
London, UK – A potential fight between rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma and veteran Kubrat pulev has been ordered by the World Boxing Association (WBA), opening the door for a meaningful step up in competition for the 20-year-old brit.Promoter Frank Warren confirmed Itauma is willing to take the fight, should pulev except the challenge.
The WBA’s directive mandates Pulev, the ‘Regular’ champion, to defend his title against Itauma. This growth comes as Itauma’s team explores options for a December fight, with a potential date of December 13th in Manchester being considered, perhaps alongside a bout featuring Derek Chisora. Warren revealed several other top heavyweights have previously declined to face Itauma.
itauma’s impressive recent form includes a dominant first-round knockout victory over former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August, extending his undefeated professional record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts. He has also been linked to potential matchups with Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter, and domestic rival David Adeleye.
Warren emphasized the need for itauma to gain more rounds, noting the young fighter has only completed 26 rounds in his professional career thus far. Pulev, at 44, brings considerable experience to the table, boasting 35 professional fights and two previous challenges for world titles – losses to Anthony Joshua (2020) and Wladimir Klitschko (2014).
While speculation surrounding potential fights with oleksandr Usyk has been downplayed, Warren firmly believes Itauma is already among the elite in the heavyweight division. “I’ve been in boxing 47 years and at his age, 20 years of age, he is the best young talent at that age that I’ve ever been involved with, and I’ve been involved with 99% of the top British fighters and other fighters from around the world,” Warren stated. “Our job is to make the right fights for him at the right time.”
