Boxing Match Preview: Kubrat Pulev (32-3-0, 14 KOs) vs. Murat Gassiev (32-2-0, 25 KOs)
The heavyweight division’s alphabet-soup intrigue intensifies as 44-year-old Bulgarian veteran Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev defends his WBA (Regular) Heavyweight Title against 32-year-old Russian powerhouse Murat “Iron” Gassiev in a 12-round main event on Friday, December 12, 2025. Billed as IBA Pro 13: Night of Champions, this clash headlines a stacked card blending pro and amateur action, with Gassiev—former unified cruiserweight king—chasing heavyweight redemption after a mixed transition. Pulev, a two-time title challenger, aims to extend his late-career renaissance, but Gassiev’s devastating power (78% KO rate) threatens to expose the champ’s age. The winner faces mandatory challenger Moses Itauma next, per WBA order, potentially bridging old guard to new blood.
Ringwalk: 10:00 AM ET (3:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM UAE local). Main card launches at 11:00 AM ET (4:00 PM GMT), ring walks for Pulev vs. Gassiev around 12:30-1:00 PM ET (5:30-6:00 PM GMT / 9:30-10:00 PM local), post-undercard. Weigh-ins: Pulev 240.5 lbs, Gassiev 238.2 lbs on December 11.
Venue Location:
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (25°11’37″N 55°19’24″E). This 5,000-seat open-air arena—renowned for ATP events—hosts its annual boxing takeover under starry desert skies, offering VIP skyboxes and a global crowd vibe. Mere minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB, 10-min drive); luxe stays like Le Méridien Dubai (AED 800/night) feature event perks.
Streamed live on DAZN PPV ($34.99 global) and IBA+ app, with ESPN+ U.S. simulcast from 10:30 AM ET.
Injury Report
Both heavyweights cleared for action with no reported injuries as of December 11 media day and weigh-ins. Pulev, training in Sofia, completed camp unscathed, his last concern a minor shoulder tweak post-Charr win (resolved by March 2025 via therapy). Gassiev, now Armenian-citizen based in California, arrived December 8 post-Miami sparring, confirming full recovery from a brief rib contusion in Milton prep (cleared October). IBA/WBA screens show no PED flags; undercard welter Vadim Musaev’s opponent swap (flu-related) spared the main event.
Fighter Matchups
A heavyweight mentor-apprentice tale: seasoned technician vs. resurgent destroyer over 200+ pounds. Pulev (6’4½”, 79½” reach, orthodox) deploys a piston jab (52% accuracy, 45 punches/round) and high guard to control range, mixing uppercuts in clinches for wear-down. Gassiev (6’3½”, 76″ reach, orthodox) counters with explosive combos, 48% connect rate, and forward pressure (50 punches/round), targeting body-liver shots to sap Pulev’s legs. Pulev jabs from distance early; Gassiev cuts angles, feinting low for hooks.
Key stylistic edges:
Power: Gassiev’s 78% KO rate (25 in 32) crushes Pulev’s 44% (14 in 32); Pulev’s chin (2 KO losses to elites) tested but durable.
Volume/Endurance: Pulev’s 250+ career rounds edge Gassiev’s 180, but Gassiev’s youth shines late (no KO losses).
Experience: Pulev’s 35 fights include Klitschko/Joshua wars; Gassiev’s cruiser peak (WBSS semis) adds ferocity.
Intangibles: Neutral Dubai (IBA hub) favors Gassiev’s aggression; Pulev’s title savvy vs. Gassiev’s inactivity rust (gaps post-2023).
Recent Form
Kubrat Pulev (32-3-0, 14 KOs): The grizzled champ rides a three-fight streak, blending decisions with control. His Charr UD showcased jab dominance, but age (44) shows in slower feet vs. 2022 Chisora loss.
Murat Gassiev (32-2-0, 25 KOs): Gassiev rebounds with four straight wins post-Wallin SD, his Milton TKO highlighting power. Cruiser glory intact, but heavyweight adaptation (two decisions) tempers hype.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights (Most Recent First) | Form Summary |
| Pulev | W-UD12 Mahmoud Charr (Dec 2024) W-UD10 Ihor Shevadzutskyi (Mar 2024) W-UD8 Andrzej Wawrzyk (Oct 2023) L-SD12 Derek Chisora (Aug 2022) L-KO9 Anthony Joshua (Dec 2020) | 3-2; 0 KOs; Steady vet run, decisions vs. contenders |
| Gassiev | W-TKO6 Jeremiah Milton (Aug 2025) W-TKO5 Kem Ljungquist (Oct 2024) W-UD10 Otto Wallin (Mar 2023) L-SD12 Otto Wallin (wait, rebound; prior L-WBSS vs. Usyk 2018) W-TKO? Earlier cruiser | 4-1 (last 5); 3 KOs; Power resurgence at HW |
Fight History
Kubrat Pulev (Pro Debut: Sep 2009): Sofia’s enduring warrior (born May 1981) amassed European titles en route to IBF challenges, logging 32 wins (14 KOs: 9 TKOs, 5 KOs) over 250+ rounds. Arc: 20-0 streak snapped by Klitschko KO (2014), Joshua KO (2020); Chisora SD (2022) his last L. Highlights: Charr UD for WBA gold (2024), Fury UD (2018). 18 decisions; road-tested (20-2 away).
Murat Gassiev (Pro Debut: Sep 2011): Vladikavkaz’s destroyer (born Oct 1993, Armenian citizen) unified IBF/WBA cruiserweight (2017-2018 WBSS run: Wlodarczyk KO, Dorticos KO), tallying 32 wins (25 KOs: 18 TKOs, 7 KOs) in 180 rounds. Losses: Usyk MD (2018 undisputed bid), Wallin SD (2022 HW debut). Post-cruiser: 6-1 at HW, 7 decisions. Road beast (22-1 away), 78% KO rate.
Pulev’s longevity vs. Gassiev’s explosiveness crafts a generational heavyweight pivot.
FIGHT ODDS
Kubrat Pulev + 280
Murat Gassiev – 320
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 11, 2025
