Itauma must 'wait his turn' as Pulev faces Gassiev
British heavyweight Moses Itauma has been told he must "wait his turn" after Kubrat Pulev agreed to defend his WBA 'regular' title against Murat Gassiev in Dubai on 12 December.
Pulev, 44, was ordered to defend his secondary WBA belt against 20-year-old Itauma but has agreed to face former cruiserweight world champion Gassiev instead.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, said earlier this week that his team were "pursuing" a fight with the Bulgarian.
But Pulev's promoter Ivaylo Gotzev, who is the CEO of Epic Sports and Entertainment, said the WBA has agreed to let the veteran make a voluntary defence.
"The Pulev vs Gassiev fight is signed, sealed, and confirmed – so [Moses] Itauma will have to wait his turn," said Gotzev.
"We have an official WBA resolution authorising Kubrat Pulev's first title defence to be a voluntary, and in line with that, we've locked in a terrific opponent in Murat Gassiev."
Itauma extended his undefeated record to 13 wins with 11 knockouts by stopping former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside two minutes in August.
Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye have been suggested as potential opponents as Itauma looks to move closer to a world title shot.
"We understand young Itauma is chomping at the bit, and as a professional courtesy I've spoken directly with his promoter, George Warren of Queensberry Promotions, to offer him a slot on the undercard," Gotzev added.
"That would set the perfect stage for him to face the winner of the main event. This keeps everything aligned with the WBA's directive and ensures fans get a stacked world-class heavyweight spectacle in Dubai."
Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk is the undisputed heavyweight world champion and holds the WBA 'super' title.
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