Kubrat Pulev is keen to defend his title against rising British heavyweight star Moses Itauma.
But Itauma may have to wait for his shot at the experienced Bulgarian.
Pulev holds the WBA ‘regular’ title, his second heavyweight championship from the sanctioning body after the ‘super’ title held by undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The WBA ordered a mandatory defense of Pulev’s title against Itauma. But Pulev is expected to box first in Dubai next month after setting up a December fight against Russia’s Murat Gassiev in a voluntary title defense.
However, Pulev’s team did not rule out a future match with the 20-year-old Briton.
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British boxing legend Lennox Lewis believes Moses Itauma is not ready to challenge for a world title and should wait until Oleksandr Jusik retires.
Pulev’s promoter John Wirt said, “Kubrat Pulev would be open to defending his WBA title against Moses Itauma if Moses is ready and willing to take that fight.” sky sports.
“Kubrat is a proud champion. He has accepted every challenge during his career. If the conditions are right, he will fight Moses.”
Pulev is a veteran heavyweight contender. He challenged the great champion Wladimir Klitschko for a unified world title in 2014 and put on a blistering performance in 2020 when he faced Anthony Joshua for the belt.
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Highlights from Moses Itauma’s dramatic win over Dillian Whyte in Riyadh. DAZN and Queensberry promotions available
He last boxed in 2024, defeating Mahmoud Charr to win the ‘regular’ belt.
Itauma made a rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks. He attacked Demsey McKean on the undercard of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury a year ago.
Most recently in August, Itauma dispatched Dillian Whyte in one round, putting the young fighter into world title contention.
