Key Highlights
- Kubrat Pulev is open to a future title defence against Moses Itauma.
- The WBA has ordered a mandatory defence of Pulev’s title against Itauma.
- Moses Itauma knocked out Dillian Whyte in August 2025, securing his place in world title contention.
Background on the Heavyweight Scene
The heavyweight division of boxing is currently one of the most competitive and dynamic categories in the sport. With multiple champions and contenders vying for supremacy, the landscape is constantly shifting. One such contender is Moses Itauma, a 20-year-old British boxer who has recently made significant strides in his career.
Itauma’s Rise to Prominence
Moses Itauma’s rapid ascent through the heavyweight ranks can be attributed to several key victories. Most notably, he secured a knockout victory over Dillian Whyte inside one round at the beginning of August 2025. This performance catapulted him into world title contention and highlighted his potential as a formidable challenger in the division.
Pulev’s Openness to a Title Defence
Kubrat Pulev, who holds a WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title, is showing willingness to consider a future title defence against Itauma. Speaking with Sky Sports, John Wirt, Pulev’s promoter, stated: “Kubrat is a proud champion; he has accepted all challenges during his career, and he will fight Moses if the terms are right.” This statement reflects Pulev’s respect for Itauma’s abilities and his openness to new challenges.
The WBA’s Mandate
The World Boxing Association (WBA) has issued a directive requiring Kubrat Pulev to make a mandatory defence of his ‘regular’ heavyweight title against Moses Itauma. This decision underscores the seriousness with which the sanctioning body views potential title contenders like Itauma.
Future Considerations and Expert Opinions
The next steps in this potential matchup will depend on various factors, including Pulev’s schedule and his team’s assessment of Itauma. Additionally, British boxing legend Lennox Lewis has expressed a cautious view regarding Itauma’s readiness for world title fights, suggesting he should wait until Oleksandr Usyk retires.
On the other hand, Itauma’s trainer, Ben Davison, believes his fighter is more than ready to take on high-profile opponents. Davison stated: “Moses is a warrior and has shown great promise in recent fights. He would relish the opportunity to face Pulev now.” This sentiment reflects both optimism about Itauma’s abilities and a desire for quick advancement in his career.
Pulev’s Future Plans
While considering a title defence, Kubrat Pulev has other significant matches lined up. He is scheduled to box in Dubai next month against Russia’s Murat Gassiev as part of a voluntary title defence. However, this does not preclude him from potentially facing Itauma later.
Conclusion
The possibility of Moses Itauma challenging for Kubrat Pulev’s WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title belt presents an exciting prospect for boxing fans and analysts alike. As both fighters navigate their schedules, the potential clash could shape the future direction of the heavyweight division. With multiple high-profile opponents on his horizon, Itauma’s journey to world championship status is showing no signs of slowing down.
