In one of the most stunning turnarounds of the heavyweight boxing year, Murat Gassiev delivered a spectacular knockout to dethrone Kubrat Pulev and claim the WBA “regular” heavyweight championship at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Friday night (Saturday morning in Manila).
The Russian contender, long regarded as an underdog in the heavyweight ranks, stood toe-to-toe with the seasoned Bulgarian veteran before turning the bout on its head in the sixth round. With the fight still competitive through five rounds — Pulev utilizing his jab and ring generalship to keep Gassiev at bay — the momentum shifted dramatically when Gassiev landed a perfectly timed left hook that sent the defending champion crashing to the canvas. Pulev rose briefly but was unable to beat the referee’s count, sealing the knockout victory for Gassiev.
At 33-2 with 26 knockouts, Gassiev’s performance was a statement of power and persistence. The former unified cruiserweight champion had struggled for consistency since moving up to heavyweight, including a loss to Otto Wallin in 2023, but on Friday he captured the biggest win of his heavyweight career.
Bad Left Hook
For 44-year-old Pulev (32-4, 14 KOs), the defeat marks a tough setback. The Bulgarian stalwart had used his veteran savvy to lead parts of the match and previously held notable wins and title defenses, but Friday’s knockout leaves him without the WBA “regular” crown and facing questions about what lies ahead in his storied career.
The victory not only earns Gassiev the WBA title but places him squarely in the conversation for future high-profile showdowns in the heavyweight division. While the WBA “super” championship — held by undisputed titleholder Oleksandr Usyk — remains a tier above the “regular” belt, Gassiev’s emphatic win positions him for potential marquee matchups and a continuing rise among boxing’s elite heavyweights.
Friday’s event was part of a larger boxing showcase in Dubai, headlined by this heavyweight clash and streamed live on DAZN, further elevating the city’s profile as a global combat sports destination.
Fight Result — WBA Heavyweight “Regular” Title
Murat Gassiev def. Kubrat Pulev — KO, Round 6 (Dubai, December 12, 2025).
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