Moses Itauma’s next fight appears to have been put on hold.
Itauma’s search for an opponent appeared to reach a conclusion on Wednesday after Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title against him.
However, the 20-year-old has seemingly be dealt a blow after Pulev opted to defend his crown against Murat Gassiev in Dubai on December 12.
The Pulev-Gassiev showdown will headline IBA Pro 13 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
“It’s been a long and challenging wait, but I’m thrilled to finally defend my world title,” Pulev said.
“I respect Murat Gassiev – he is a powerful and dangerous opponent – but I am ready, focused, and eager to give fans a great fight.
“I’m grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this happen and can’t wait to step back into the ring.”
The 44-year-old captured the WBA title by outpointing Mahmoud Charr in his native Sofia in December.
The WBA ordered the Bulgarian to face Michael Hunter, but following the American’s decision to face Jarrell Miller in a bout which ultimately failed to materialise, the WBA removed him as their mandatory challenger.
The governing body said Pulev was given the option to make a voluntary defence of his title, but after failing to do so, he was ordered to face Itauma, with both sides given until November 14 to reach a deal.
In a letter obtained by journalist Dan Rafael and posted on X, the WBA wrote: “Because the WBA did not receive congruent contract from Pulev and Hunter within the time required by the WBA rules and Hunter decided to engage in a different bout than the one subject to the award, Pulev no longer is required to fight Hunter to retain his WBA title.
“The WBA relieves Pulev of any obligation to engage in a title defense bout with Hunter, and rescinds the Pulev-Hunter bid award.
“The agreement provided that Pulev was free to defend his title against any available contender ranked in the WBA heavyweight division within a reasonable time after execution of this agreement.
“No such title defense has been made or announced.
“Therefore, the Committee requires Pulev to engage in a mandatory defense against the next leading available contender and WBA #1 ranked contender Moses Itauma.
BREAKING: Per WBA ruling I’ve obtained, Michael Hunter out as mandatory for “regular” heavyweight titlist Kubrat Pulev, who’s now ordered to face next leading contender: Moses Itauma. They have 30 days to make a deal or purse bid. Likely pushes Itauma next fight into Jan. #boxing pic.twitter.com/qSR7Y7hM5a
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 15, 2025
“The WBA grants 30 days [October 15 – November 14] to negotiate, and if no agreement is reached, the World Championship Committee will call for a purse bid.”
Itauma was scheduled to return on December 13 in Manchester, but in light of the WBA’s order, his return was set to be delayed, a source with knowledge of the plans told proboxing-fans.com.
However, with Pulev-Gassiev now official, it remains unclear whether the top heavyweight prospect will fight before the end of the year.
The Kent man, who stopped Dillian Whyte inside a round in August, is the number one ranked contender with both the WBO and WBA behind undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk has been granted an extension on negotiations to face WBO interim titlist, Joseph Parker, who faces Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena next Saturday.
