Murat Gassiev Scores Dramatic Upset KO- Now In Heavyweight Contender Picture

Former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev of Russia delivered a dramatic, one-punch, come-from-behind knockout of Bulgarian world title contender Kubrat Pulev to capture the WBA “regular” heavyweight title in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Friday night.  And, with the win, Gassiev may get a large payday showdown with a rising star in the heavyweight division.

First to Friday's dramatic reversal KO by Gassiev.

For much of the contest, the bout unfolded as a cautious, tactical chess match. as Pulev used his experience, jab, and ring control to outbox Gassiev, He largely kept the Russian at bay and limited clean exchanges. While the 44 year old Pulev appeared to be dictating the tempo and distance, neither fighter was particularly active, and extended combinations were scarce.

Gassiev began showing greater urgency in the fourth round, subtly increasing his pressure and looking for openings, but it was revealed after the fight that he had already lost all five rounds on one card and four of the five on a second.

Still. This is why boxing is a different and dramatic sport that can change on one punch and did in the UAE.

Early in the sixth round and  out of nowhere, Gassiev detonated a short, perfectly timed left hook that landed flush on Pulev’s chin. The Bulgarian veteran collapsed backward, and shockingly landing flat on his back in the center of the ring.

Pulev, 44, struggled to recover, managing only to get to all fours as referee Rafael Ramos completed the 10 count, officially stopping the fight at :50 of the round stunning those in attendance and sending Gassiev's team and management pouring into the ring to celebrate the surprise KO.

The loss snapped Pulev’s brief reign as the  WBA's silly “regular” champ, which came via unanimous decision over Mahmoud Charr last December in his home country of Bulgaria. Pulev's  only other defeats before Friday have come against elite competition, including stoppage losses to Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, and a close split decision against Derek Chisora.

Bigger for Gassiev, now 33-2 with 26 knockouts, the victory marks another statement at heavyweight. After a decisive loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their 2018 undisputed cruiserweight clash, Gassiev moved up in weight and has gone 7-1, winning his last three bouts by knockout.

He is now expected to face a mandatory challenger Moses Itauma of England, next, pending Itauma beating American Jermaine Franklin next month.

Itauma, 13-0, 11 KOs, is 22 years old and the hottest prospect in the heavyweight division. So, a bout with Gassiev would garner the Russian easily a seven figure payday. This, as Itauma is now a PPV attraction is trying to get an title shot at the unified heavyweight champ Usyk later in 2026.