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.
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The official record holder
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
- Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
- Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
- Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
- Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
- Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
- Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
- Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
- Win in round 1: 100/1
- Win in round 2: 100/1
- Win in round 3: 100/1
- Win in round 4: 100/1
- Win in round 5: 100/1
- To win in round 6: 100/1
- To win in round 7: 80/1
- To win in round 8: 80/1
- To win round 9: 66/1
- To win in round 10: 66/1
- To win round 11: 66/1
- To win in round 12: 80/1
- To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Jaron Ennis
- To win round 1: 80/1
- Win in round 2: 50/1
- Win in round 3: 40/1
- To win in round 4: 28/1
- To win in round 5: 20/1
- To win in round 6: 16/1
- Win in round 7: 12/12
- To win in round 8: 1/11
- To win in round 9: 10/1
- To win in round 10: 10/1
- To win in round 11: 10/1
- To win in round 12: 1/11
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
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The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
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