Get ready for a thrilling boxing story that's full of twists and turns!
The highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Moses Itauma and Kubrat Pulev is in jeopardy, and here's why.
The Fight That Might Not Happen
Moses Itauma, the UK's 2024 Prospect of the Year, is currently without an opponent for his scheduled December 13th fight in Manchester. The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered Pulev, the current "World" heavyweight titlist, to defend his secondary belt against Itauma. However, there's a catch - the two camps have only until November 14th to agree on terms, and if they can't, purse bids will be required, which could push the fight further away.
A Tight Window for Negotiations
Itauma, with an impressive record of 13-0 (11 KOs), is represented by the renowned Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. On the other hand, Pulev, a seasoned veteran at 32-3 (14 KOs) and twice Itauma's age, fights under Ivaylo Gotzev's Epic Sports and Entertainment. With such a significant age gap, this fight promises an intriguing clash of styles and generations.
The Bigger Picture
But here's where it gets controversial... The WBA's ruling also puts an end to their previous plan for a four-man box-off to determine a mandatory challenger for undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. This decision has left the boxing world wondering about the future of the heavyweight division.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Previously, Pulev was ordered to face Michael Hunter, but that fight never materialized. It went to a purse bid, which was won by Don King, but the date kept shifting, and Hunter eventually opted for a different opponent. This left Hunter without a fight and stripped of his mandatory challenger status.
The Cost of Inaction
Pulev was initially allowed to pursue a voluntary defense of his secondary title, but his failure to do so in a timely manner has prompted the WBA to move forward with Itauma, their new top contender. Itauma, fresh off a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte, is eager to fight for a third time in 2025 and continue his momentum.
The WBA's Scuttled Plans
The WBA also had to cancel an interim fight between Jarrell Miller and Fabio Wardley, which was supposed to take place in June. Wardley, an up-and-coming late bloomer, eventually scored a highlight-reel knockout against Justis Huni, earning an interim belt. He now faces Joseph Parker in a highly anticipated showdown on October 25th in London.
The Heavyweight Title Landscape
The WBA still holds three versions of its heavyweight title, with Usyk recognized as the true champion. The WBO has promised that the winner of Parker-Wardley will be instructed to face Usyk next. However, if the Pulev-Itauma fight does happen, it's unclear what the victor's next move will be.
So, what do you think? Will we see Itauma step into the ring on December 13th? And what does the future hold for the heavyweight division? Let's discuss in the comments!
