Puley, Gassiev face-off ahead of blockbuster WBA world heavyweight title clash in Dubai

In a charged atmosphere thick with anticipation, WBA World Heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev and challenger Murat Gassiev came face-to-face for the first time at the official press conference for BETCITY IBA Pro 13, held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The Bulgarian veteran and the power-punching Russian knockout artist engaged in a tense stare-down, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most explosive heavyweight bouts of the year on Friday, December 12, live on DAZN.

Umar Kremlev, IBA President, said: “There are so many opportunities for athletes and coaches to compete in the best fights possible. And for the fans, we’re offering better conditions and more competitive match-ups, not just boxing, but the best boxing in the world at IBA. That’s our main goal. Our primary mission is to create a platform where boxers can fulfill their dreams, and where coaches can realize theirs as well — doing what they love while earning a proper living. We aim to increase prize funds for both amateurs and professionals.

“This fight, between Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev, is another example of the IBA’s commitment to delivering the biggest events around the world. Both men are tremendous ambassadors for the sport and I am eager to see them compete for the WBA Heavyweight championship.”

Al Siesta, Director General of IBA Pro, said: “This fight is a phenomenal showcase of the highest level of sport – the heavyweight championship of the world. Pulev vs Gassiev is breaking new boundaries by becoming the first heavyweight title bout to be held in the United Arab Emirates and we are so proud of this.

“On December 12, live on DAZN, I am certain that both Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev will deliver a spectacular show befitting the occasion. It is a true 50-50 fight, which is the hallmark of IBA and IBA Pro, and I can’t split the two men. May the best man win!”

Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), the 44-year-old ‘Cobra’ from Sofia, Bulgaria, enters the ring to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown for the first time since capturing it earlier this year via a dominant unanimous decision over Manuel Charr.

A former IBF interim title challenger, Pulev has recorded three straight victories, showcasing the granite chin and technical savvy that have defined his 20-year professional career. Despite a mandatory defense having been ordered against rising British star Moses Itauma, Pulev's team secured a special sanction from the WBA to face Gassiev, with the winner obligated to meet Itauma next.

Reigning WBA Heavyweight Champion, Kubrat Pulev, said: “To be a world champion was my dream and the dream of my father. That's why we started boxing, because my brother, my father, they were in love with boxing. That’s why we love this great sport.

“I have come a long way, I have more than 300 amateur fights and also a lot of professional fights. I have a lot of experience. Thanks to God, I have the chance to fight for a world title. I'm happy to have this world title in Bulgaria and I’m going to win this fight.”

His opponent, the 32-year-old Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) from Vladikavkaz, Russia, brings devastating power and an unyielding pressure style honed as a former unified cruiserweight champion. With standout victories over Yuniel Dorticos and Denis Lebedev, he now plans his assault on the heavyweight division. A win over Pulev would see ‘Iron’ become Russia’s first heavyweight champion in thirteen years - with no shortage of national pride at stake, Saturday’s bout marks Gassiev's first step toward heavyweight immortality.

Challenger Murat Gassiev said: “Thank you to Umar Kremlev for this opportunity. This is the heavyweight division – one punch can change any plan, any strategy, any tactic and you need to be ready 100% at any second.

“Kubrat Pulev is a heavyweight champion. He has a lot of experience. Many people said that he is old, at 44 years, but it’s only numbers. He has great experience, he is always in good shape – he looks perfect. I'm 100% sure that he is ready for twelve rounds, and I know this is one of the toughest fights of my professional career. We have had a good training camp and we're ready for everything.”

The event underscores the growing prominence of IBA Pro Boxing, now a cornerstone of the International Boxing Association's (IBA) ecosystem, blending elite amateurs and professionals in a "Festival of Boxing" from December 2-13.