British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma will have to wait for his shot at the World Boxing Association (WBA) ‘regular’ title after current champion Kubrat Pulev opted to defend the belt against former cruiserweight world champion Murat Gassiev.

The title bout is scheduled for December 12 in Dubai. Pulev, 44, had earlier been mandated by the WBA to defend against the 20-year-old Itauma, but his camp has now secured approval for a voluntary defence against Gassiev.

Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of Epic Sports and Entertainment and Pulev’s promoter, confirmed the development, saying the agreement had been finalised.

“The Pulev vs Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed — so Itauma will have to wait his turn,” Gotzev said.
“The WBA has officially authorised Kubrat Pulev’s first defence to be a voluntary one, and Gassiev fits perfectly into that plan.”

The news comes as a setback for Itauma, who remains unbeaten with 13 professional victories — 11 of them knockouts — including a quick two-minute demolition of former title contender Dillian Whyte in August.

Promoter Frank Warren had recently expressed confidence that Itauma was next in line for Pulev’s title, but the Bulgarian’s camp has instead offered the young heavyweight a spot on the undercard of the Dubai show.

“We understand Itauma is eager, and as a gesture of respect, I’ve personally spoken to his promoter, George Warren, to offer him a fight on the same card,” Gotzev added.
“It sets the stage perfectly for him to challenge the winner of Pulev versus Gassiev. The WBA is happy, the fans are happy — everyone wins.”

Potential future opponents for Itauma include Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter, and fellow British contender David Adeleye as he continues to climb toward world title contention.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, holding the WBA ‘super’ title alongside the WBC, IBF, and WBO belts.