IBA Pro 13 unveils blockbuster undercard ahead of Pulev vs Gassiev clash in Dubai

The International Boxing Association (IBA) are proud to announce a star-studded undercard for the upcoming Betcity IBA Pro 13 event in Dubai, with a host of evenly-matched, high quality contests providing the perfect supporting cast to the eagerly-anticipated WBA Heavyweight title showdown between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev.

Set for December 12 at the iconic Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, this stacked line-up features several mouth-watering clashes designed to deliver an evening of top class championship boxing for fans across the world.

The undercard showcases a mix of title eliminators, fascinating rematches and World championship contests; further underscoring the depth and quality that has become the trademark of IBA Pro:

A WBA Lightweight title eliminator pitting the undefeated Tajik sensation Bakhodur Usmonov, against Britain’s battle-tested southpaw stylist, Maxi Hughes. This match-up promises technical brilliance and explosive exchanges as both fighters vie for a shot at American superstar Gervonta Davis’ WBA World title.

A rematch for the IBA Pro World Bantamweight title. The stakes could not be higher for Uzbekistan’s 2016 Olympic gold medallist Yoel Zoirov, as he looks to settle the score against Venezuelan rival Shakhobidin Finol, following Finol’s Majority Decision win in their first meeting in December 2024.

Another thrilling rematch, this time serving as an eliminator for Gary Antuanne Russell’s WBA Super-Lightweight championship. Russian technician Khariton Agrba looks to gain revenge over dangerous Argentinean banger Nerii Munoz, after Munoz’s stunning upset KO victory back in July. A guaranteed firefight between two aggressive, explosive power-punchers.

After a perfect 13-0 start to life as a professional, undefeated Russian star Vadim Musaev takes a considerable step up in competition as he takes on seasoned IBO World Welterweight champion Tulani Mbenge. In a bout that could steal the show, a win for either man would catapult their respective careers onto a new level in the glamorous welterweight division.

“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,” said Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association

“This undercard exemplifies the very best of what IBA Pro events have become synonymous with – evenly matched fights that guarantee excitement and unpredictability,” said IBA Pro General Director Al Siesta.

“From title eliminators to rematches with bad blood, these bouts will provide fans with non-stop action leading up to the main event: the WBA Heavyweight title clash between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev.”

“The stakes could not be higher on December 12 and, thanks to our great President Umar Kremlev, we have put on a show that will captivate audiences around the world. Don’t miss it!”

IBA Pro 13 features as part of the inaugural IBA ‘Festival of Boxing’ – a show-stopping two-week event, running from December 2 to 13 at the iconic Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

As part of the IBA’s ‘Golden Era’ for the sport, the festival celebrates the sport on a global stage, with its centerpiece event, the prestigious IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships, announcing a record-breaking $8.32m prize-pool on offer for boxers from across the world and further demonstrating IBA’s steadfast investment into every level of the sport.