Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
WBA world heavyweight champion Kubrat Pulev and challenger Murat Gassiev came face-to-face for the weigh-in ceremony for the IBA Pro 13, to be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
The Bulgarian veteran and the Russian knockout artist engaged in a tense stare-down, building anticipation for an explosive heavyweight bout on Friday.
IBA President Umar Kremlev spoke about the organisation’s mission. “There are so many opportunities for athletes and coaches to compete in the best fights possible. And for the fans, we’re offering better conditions and more competitive match-ups, not just boxing, but the best boxing in the world at IBA. That’s our main goal. Our primary mission is to create a platform where boxers can fulfill their dreams, and where coaches can realise theirs as well — doing what they love while earning a proper living. We aim to increase prize funds for both amateurs and professionals.”
Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs), the 44-year-old 'Cobra' from Sofia, Bulgaria, will defend his WBA heavyweight crown for the first time since capturing it earlier this year with a dominant unanimous decision over Manuel Charr. Despite a mandatory defence having been ordered against rising British star Moses Itauma, Pulev’s team secured a special sanction from the WBA to face Gassiev, with the winner obligated to meet Itauma next.
The reigning champion Pulev discussed his motivation: “To be a world champion was my dream and the dream of my father. That’s why we started boxing, because my brother, my father, they were in love with boxing. That’s why we love this great sport.
“I have come a long way, I have more than 300 amateur fights and also a lot of professional fights. I have a lot of experience. Thanks to God, I have the chance to fight for a world title. I’m happy to have this world title in Bulgaria and I’m going to win this fight,” Pulev stated.
His opponent, the 32-year-old Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) from Vladikavkaz, Russia, is a former unified cruiserweight champion known for his devastating power. A victory over Pulev would see ‘Iron’ become Russia’s first heavyweight champion in 13 years.
The challenger acknowledged the danger of the division, saying: “This is the heavyweight division – one punch can change any plan, any strategy, any tactic and you need to be ready 100% at any second.
“Pulev is a heavyweight champion. Many people said that he is old, at 44 years, but it’s only numbers. He has great experience, he is always in good shape – he looks perfect. I’m 100% sure that he is ready for twelve rounds, and I know this is one of the toughest fights of my professional career. We have had a good training camp and we’re ready for everything,” Gassiev concluded.