Moses Itauma’s next fight looks like it could be against Kubrat Pulev after the WBA have ordered the heavyweight match-up.
Itauma vs Pulev could take place as soon as January, with the Hungarian ordered to defend his WBA Regular World Heavyweight Title against the #1 contender Itauma.
Moses Itauma vs Kubrat Pulev ORDERED By WBA
Moses Itauma is well on his way to becoming one of the most followed boxers in the world, as well as a future world heavyweight champion.
Winning world honours could come sooner than a lot of people think too for the 20-year-old. This is due to the fact the World Boxing Association (WBA) governing body have ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend his WBA Regular World Heavyweight Title against the #1 contender Itauma.
Although a ‘regular’ title isn’t recognised as legitimate world honours by most boxing fans, it is recognised in the official rankings.
Now, it seems Itauma could well become a world heavyweight champion in his next fight. That is if he beats the 44-year-old and claims his WBA Regular belt in the process.
Although not officially confirmed by Itauma’s proper Frank Warren, news has broken that the WBA have ordered their regular champion, Pulev, to put his belt on the line against the #1 contender.
American heavyweight Michael Hunter is the mandatory, but has been ruled out of the contest. This means that Pulev will have to defend his belt against the next in line, which happens to be the 13-0 British heavyweight machine.
Esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael has reported that Pulev must defend his WBA Regular World Heavyweight Title against Itauma next. No exceptions.
The same report by the WBA states that Team Pulev and Team Itauma have 30 days to make a deal, or else the fight will go to purse bids.
It seems that Moses Itauma vs Kubrat Pulev is full steam ahead and will officially take place next.
BREAKING: Per WBA ruling I've obtained, Michael Hunter out as mandatory for “regular” heavyweight titlist Kubrat Pulev, who's now ordered to face next leading contender: Moses Itauma. They have 30 days to make a deal or purse bid. Likely pushes Itauma next fight into Jan. #boxing pic.twitter.com/qSR7Y7hM5a
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 15, 2025
Will Moses Itauma’s Next Fight Be Against Kubrat Pulev?
Although Chinese heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang called out Moses Itauma for a blockbuster heavyweight showdown recently, it seems the 20-year-old is moving in a different direction.
This comes after Itauma has been granted the opportunity to challenge the 32-3 Kubrat Pulev for his WBA Regular World Heavyweight Title.
The WBA have given both parties until Friday 14th November to reach a deal, or else purse bids will be called.
Although Frank Warren had previously confirmed that Itauma’s next fight was set for December 13, it now looks like it will be delayed until the New Year with developments of this WBA ruling.
Instead of fighting someone else before Christmas, it now seems that Itauma will face Pulev for the regular version of the WBA World Heavyweight Title in January.
Oleksandr Usyk remains the undisputed champion at heavyweight, meaning he holds the full WBA World Heavyweight Title. However, Pulev holds the regular belt, which he has been ordered to defend against the #1 ranked contender Itauma next.
It seems there will be no exceptions to this ruling, and Pulev will have to defend his belt against Itauma within the next few months. If not, he will be forced to vacate and Itauma may well then fight for the vacant belt.
Other big names have been chasing the Itauma fight for some time now, but to no success. Former cruiserweight king Lawrence Okolie called out Itauma for an all-British heavyweight showdown just a matter of months ago, but now it seems that fight is also off the cards.
Instead, Moses Itauma vs Kubrat Pulev will go down next. Officially confirmation the promoters with a date and venue will be announced in due course.
🚨 WBA ORDERS ITAUMA-PULEV
✅ The WBA has now officially ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend his regular title against the No. 1 contender Moses Itauma next. The pair have until Nov. 14 to reach a deal, or purse bids will be called.
⏭️ Itauma was planning a Dec. 13 ring return.… pic.twitter.com/RYkJy4mqhL
— EverythingBoxing | Darshan Desai (@EverythingBoxi2) October 15, 2025
