Itauma Eyes Pulev After Multiple Heavyweight Rejections

Itauma Set to ‘Pursue’ Pulev After WBA Orders Heavyweight Title Fight

Moses Itauma is ready to step up as one of the youngest heavyweight title challengers after the WBA ordered a bout with ‘Regular’ champion Kubrat Pulev.

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Team Itauma will actively pursue the fight after several top-ranked heavyweights rejected offers to face the 20-year-old.

“We’ve had several top heavyweights already turn down a fight with Moses,” Warren told BBC Sport. “But if Pulev fancies the job now that it’s been ordered, we will absolutely be pursuing it. It’s a brilliant fight.”

December Bout in the Works

The 13 December card in Manchester, where Derek Chisora is also expected to feature, could serve as the stage for this potential WBA Regular title clash.

Warren hinted that plans are already being drawn up to give Itauma more ring time, adding:

“Our job is to make the right fights for him at the right time.”

Itauma’s Meteoric Rise

Itauma’s stock rose significantly after he destroyed former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in just one round back in August.

That win improved his record to 13-0 with 11 knockouts, cementing his status as one of the most feared young contenders in the division.

With only 26 professional rounds under his belt, Warren is keen to build experience carefully—but sees no issue with a Pulev test:

“He is already one of the best heavyweights in world boxing… At 20, he’s the best young talent I’ve ever been involved with.”

Pulev: The Veteran Test

Kubrat Pulev, now 44, brings vast experience with a record of 35 fights, including two unsuccessful world title shots against Anthony Joshua (2020) and Wladimir Klitschko (2014).

While his best years may be behind him, Pulev remains a tough and durable opponent, providing a stern test for the younger, fresher Itauma.

Rejected Opponents & What’s Next

Itauma has already been linked to big names like:

• Filip Hrgovic

• Michael Hunter

• David Adeleye

But multiple rejections have slowed plans to line up a significant opponent—until the WBA ruling opened the door for a mandatory title fight with Pulev.

With Warren ruling out a near-term clash with Oleksandr Usyk, this Pulev bout appears to be the next logical step in Itauma’s career path.

Final Word

Moses Itauma continues to blaze through the heavyweight ranks, and if a bout with Pulev materializes in December, it would mark his first title shot and a potential launchpad into the elite level of the division.

All eyes now turn to Team Itauma and Queensberry Promotions as negotiations begin in earnest.