UK Boxing
Moses Itauma struck a blow a day after announcing his world title shot
Moses Itauma’s next fight appears to be on hold.
Itauma’s search for an opponent appeared to be over on Wednesday when Kubrat Pulev was ordered to defend his “regular” WBA heavyweight title against him.
However, the 20-year-old appeared to be dealt a blow after Pulev decided to defend his crown against Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai.
The Pulev-Gassiev fight will be the main attraction of the IBA Pro 13 tournament held at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
“It has been a long and challenging wait, but I am thrilled to have finally defended my world title,” Pulev said.
“I respect Murat Gassiev – he is a powerful and risky opponent – but I am ready, focused and eager to give the fans a great fight.
“I am grateful to the IBA and Epic Sports for making this possible and I look forward to returning to the ring.”
The 44-year-old won the WBA title by defeating Mahmoud Charr in December in his hometown of Sofia.
The WBA ordered the Bulgarian to face Michael Hunter, but after the American’s decision to face Jarrell Miller in a fight that ultimately did not take place, the WBA removed him from its mandatory challenger.
The governing body said Pulev had the opportunity to voluntarily defend his title, but when he failed to do so, he was ordered to face Itauma, with both sides having until November 14 to reach an agreement.
In a letter received by journalist Dan Rafael and posted on page XWBA wrote: “Because the WBA did not receive an agreed contract from Pulev and Hunter within the time required by WBA regulations, and Hunter elected to fight a fight other than the one subject to the award, Pulev no longer has to fight Hunter to retain the WBA title.
“The WBA releases Pulev from any obligation to fight in defense of his title against Hunter and invalidates the Pulev-Hunter offer.
“The agreement provided that Pulev would be able to defend his title against any available challenger within the WBA heavyweight division within a reasonable time after the conclusion of this agreement.
“No such title defense has been conducted or announced.
“Therefore, the Committee requires Pulev to engage in a mandatory defense against the next leading available challenger and WBA No. 1 ranked contender, Moses Itauma.
BREAKING: According to the WBA ruling I obtained, Michael Hunter is a mandatory for “regular” heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev, who is now ordered to face another top contender: Moses Itauma. They have 30 days to conclude a transaction or bid on the portfolio. He’s probably pushing Itauma’s next fight to January. #box pic.twitter.com/qSR7Y7hM5a
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 15, 2025
“The WBA gives 30 days [October 15 – November 14] for negotiations and if no agreement is reached, the World Championship Committee will call for a cash offer.”
Itauma was scheduled to return on December 13 in Manchester, but in airy of the WBA’s order, his return was to be delayed, said a source with knowledge of the plans. proboxing-fans.com.
However, with Pulev-Gasev now official, it is unclear whether the potential top heavyweight will fight before the end of the year.
The Kent fighter, who stopped Dillian Whyte in a round in August, is the number one contender in both the WBO and WBA rankings, behind undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk was agreed to extend the negotiations next Saturday at the O2 Arena he will face WBO interim champion Joseph Parker, who will face Fabio Wardley.
Eddie Hearn did not contact Deontay Wilder about fighting Anthony Joshua after signing a contract to fight Tyson Fury, his manager Shelly Finkel claims.
There has been speculation that Joshua could return against Wilder before he faces Fury.
Instead, the 36-year-old will return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prengi, before facing Fury in November.
Wilder called out longtime rival “AJ” after his victory over Derek Chisora earlier this month.
The pair have been linked to a clash since both men held world heavyweight titles in 2018, and Finkel believes Joshua had no interest in fighting the “Bronze Bomber.”
“You can’t be disappointed with something that never happened,” Finkel said Heavenly sports.
“Eddie never contacted us and Joshua obviously had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder.
“Same antique story, just modern date.”
Joshua and Wilder were scheduled to fight in March 2024, but the American was defeated by Joseph Parker in December 2023.
“AJ” will fight for the first time since he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.
Ten days later, the two-time world heavyweight champion was involved in a tragic car accident that killed two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.
Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh announced that Joshua and Fury have signed a contract for their mega fight in a post on the website X on Monday, which read: “To my friends in the UK – it’s happening. This is signed.
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Moments later, Joshua’s return was announced against unknown Albanian Prengi.
“It’s no secret that I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready to get back into the ring, and today is the next step in that journey,” Joshua said.
“I am delighted to have agreed to a multi-fight contract starting on July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m looking forward to competing and continuing where I left off.
“Like I said. The landlord will collect rent. That’s for sure.”
Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in his return to the ring following his retirement earlier this year.
“The Gypsy King” called “AJ”, who was watching the gala from the side of the ring, and declared that he would retire again if the fight with his rival did not take place.
However, his manager Spencer Brown revealed that he may fight again ahead of his fight with Joshua.
The post Anthony Joshua “had no intention” of fighting Deontay Wilder appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
Naoya Inoue is the hefty favorite to defeat Junto Nakatani in an undisputed title clash on Saturday.
Inoue defends all four of his super bantamweight world titles in a huge all-Japan fight against Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome, live on DAZN.
Inoue, a top-three top-ranked pound-for-pound leader, is a 1/4 favorite Bet365 emerge victorious and inflict his first professional defeat on his rival.
“The Monster” has stopped 27 of his 32 opponents and is expected to stop Nakatani 11/10.
The undefeated 33-year-old has gone the distance in his last two outings and is valued at 7/4 for a third straight decision win.
Nakatani is also a star fighting for world champion titles in the fourth weight category.
The 28-year-old southpap is a 3/1 underdog to cause a seismic shock.
“Substantial Bang” has won five of his last six fights at the distance, and he sees his best chance of winning after a stoppage at 6/1.
Nakatani defeated Sebastian Hernandez Reyes on points from Inoue’s undercard defeated Alan David Picasso in Saudi Arabia in December, and a decision victory is valued at 10/1.
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
- Naoya Inoue will win the fight: 1/4
- Naoya Inoue by KO/TKO/DQ: 11/10
- Naoya Inoue by decision or technical decision: 7/4
- Junto Nakatani will win the fight: 3/1
- Junto Nakatani by KO/TKO/DQ: 6/1
- Total cut by decision or technical decision: 10/10
- Draw or technical draw: 14/1
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Round bets
Naoya Inoue
- To win round 1: 80/1
- Win in round 2: 50/1
- To win in round 3: 33/1
- To win in round 4: 25/1
- To win in round 5: 20/1
- To win in round 6: 16/1
- To win in round 7: 14/1
- Win in round 8: 12/12
- To win in round 9: 1/12
- To win in round 10: 12/12
- To win in round 11: 14/1
- To win in round 12: 16/1
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
Junto Nakatani
- Win in round 1: 100/1
- Win in round 2: 100/1
- Win in round 3: 100/1
- To win in round 4: 80/1
- Win in round 5: 66/1
- Win in round 6: 50/1
- Win in round 7: 50/1
- To win in round 8: 40/1
- To win in round 9: 40/1
- To win in round 10: 40/1
- To win in round 11: 50/1
- To win in round 12: 50/1
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 10/10
The post Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
UK Boxing
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