Heavyweight KO Sensation Floors Former Anthony Joshua Rival Days After Challenge to Itauma

Table of Contents

1. Pulev's Knockout
2. About Murat Gassiev
3. Future Prospects for Pulev and Gassiev

KUBRAT PULEV was decisively knocked out, bringing an end to his WBA regular world heavyweight championship at the hands of Murat Gassiev.

This match, marking the first world heavyweight title fight ever held in Dubai, lasted six rounds before Pulev made the error of engaging with the Russian fighter.

Once the Bulgarian stepped forward, Gassiev delivered a powerful left hook that sent Pulev crashing to the canvas instantly.

As the 44-year-old struggled to regain his footing, it became evident that he would not make the count, leading the referee to stop the fight.

Gassiev is a formidable opponent. A former unified cruiserweight champion, his reign ended only due to Oleksandr Usyk—a defeat that carries no shame.

Before the fight, Pulev had expressed interest in facing Britain’s Moses Itauma, a fighter more than 20 years his junior.

Pulev stated: “He’s talented, undefeated, and very fast. We will see. It won't be easy, but why not?”

However, it appears that the accomplished Pulev may not get that opportunity following his defeat to Gassiev, as time is running out for him at his age.

Pulev has experienced only four losses in his career, with three of them coming by way of stoppage.

Anthony Joshua knocked him out in 2020, Wladimir Klitschko did so in 2014, and Gassiev secured the stoppage in this match.

His other defeat was against Dereck Chisora three years ago, after first defeating the Brit in 2016 to claim the European heavyweight title.

Ironically, after announcing his upcoming fight with Deontay Wilder, Chisora was present ringside to witness his former rival get knocked out in Dubai.

Gassiev will have many options moving forward. While this title may not carry the same prestige as the 'super' version, it has often been a stepping stone to genuine world title bouts.

Daniel Dubois has utilized this strategy in recent years, and Moses Itauma may consider it a smart pathway to significant fights.

From Gassiev’s viewpoint, a potential rematch with Usyk would be appealing to him and likely to eastern Europe as well.

At 32, he will pose a dangerous yet viable option among the many heavyweights vying for world titles.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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