Moses Itauma’s search for an opponent appears to be over.
Itauma has been looking to seal a deal for a December 13 ring return, but enticing someone to agree to face the 20-year-old phenomenon has proved far from straightforward.
However, that search looks on course to reach a conclusion after the WBA ordered ‘regular’ champion, Kubrat Pulev to make a mandatory defence of his title against the Brit.
Pulev was originally ordered to face Michael Hunter, but after the American opted to face Jarrell Miller in a bout which ultimately failed to materialise, the WBA removed him as their mandatory challenger.
According to the WBA, Pulev was given the option to make a voluntary defence of his crown, but after failing to do so, the governing body has now mandated the Bulgarian to face Itauma and given both sides until November 14 to agree 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.
“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.”
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
Pulev, 44, captured the title with a unanimous decision victory over Mahmoud Charr in his native Sofia in December.
Itauma, unbeaten in 13 professional contests, stormed past Dillian Whyte in the opening round in Riyadh in August.
The Kent man cemented his position as the number one contender to undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk by both the WBO and the WBA.
Itauma called for a showdown with Usyk after beating Whyte, however the Ukrainian has been ordered to defend his WBO crown against the winner of next Saturday’s WBO interim title fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, next without any exceptions after he was granted an extension on negotiations to face Parker.
Itauma’s ring return will now be delayed in light of the order, a source with knowledge of the plans told proboxing-fans.com.
