Moses Itauma's December 13 fight is in jeopardy if the Kubrat Pulev bout can't be agreed without purse bids. The WBA has ordered Pulev to defend his secondary belt against the 20-year-old southpaw, with a 30-day negotiation period starting Wednesday. This tight window poses a challenge for Itauma, who hasn't secured an opponent for his previously announced December 13 headliner in Manchester. A source confirms efforts to make the fight, but the situation remains unclear. If purse bids are required, Itauma's fight before the end of the year is 'unlikely'.
Itauma, the UK-based 2024 Prospect of the Year, is represented by Queensberry Promotions. Pulev, a 44-year-old Bulgarian veteran, fights under Epic Sports and Entertainment. The WBA's ruling also ends a failed four-man box-off for a final mandatory challenger for undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Pulev was previously ordered to face Michael Hunter, but the fight never materialized due to various reasons and legal issues. Pulev is no longer required to fight Hunter to retain his WBA title. The WBA also plans to scuttle an ordered interim fight between Jarrell Miller and Fabio Wardley, which was intended for June 7. The win by Wardley allows him to claim an interim belt, which he will defend in October against Joseph Parker.
The WBA still has three versions of its heavyweight title, with Usyk as the true champion. The Pulev-Itauma fight's future is uncertain, leaving the victor in a holding pattern. Jake Donovan, an award-winning journalist, provides insights into these boxing developments.
