Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev Free Pick and Betting Odds

Last Updated on dezembro 11, 2025 10:12 am by Erwin Noguera

The World Boxing Association regular heavyweight championship will be the centerpiece of an international event that aims to leave its mark. This Friday, December 12, at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, Kubrat Pulev will defend his belt against one of the most feared names in cruiserweight boxing in the last decade: Murat Gassiev. The clash not only brings together opposing styles but also trajectories built from very different realities.

The fight will headline a two-week boxing festival combining professional and amateur events, an initiative that seeks to position Dubai as a recurring venue for big boxing nights. In this context, the fight between Pulev and Gassiev is shaping up to be a high-tension duel: strategic experience and control of the pace versus raw power and calculated aggression.

For Pulev, this defense represents the confirmation of a long career that refuses to fade away. For Gassiev, it is the ultimate opportunity to validate his transition to heavyweight and reinsert himself into the conversation of the world’s elite. In addition, the political-sporting backdrop adds pressure: the WBA has already made it clear that the winner must face Moses Itauma, further raising the stakes of the outcome.

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Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on Kubrat Pulev?

Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) comes into this defense with the courage that only experience can bring. At 44, the Bulgarian is enjoying a period of stability, backed by three consecutive victories that culminated in his winning the WBA belt against Mahmoud Charr in December 2024. In Bulgaria, Pulev showed complete control of the pace and won a clear decision that confirmed his continued relevance.

His identity has always been technical. Pulev does not base his success on explosiveness, but on a solid jab, distance management, and constant reading of the fight. At 6’4″, he knows how to impose his reach and wear down his opponents mentally, forcing them to fight outside their comfort zone round after round.

Having shared the ring with names such as Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua has enriched his tactical approach. Since his narrow defeat to Derek Chisora in 2022, Pulev has further refined his conservative style. This will be his first title defense, and he faces it with the clarity of someone who understands that, at this level, intelligence is as important as punching power.

Why Bet on Murat Gassiev?

Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) is synonymous with punching power. He burst onto the world stage in 2018, when he swept the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight division with decisive knockouts against Yuniel Dorticos and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. During that stretch, “Iron” Gassiev established himself as one of boxing’s most feared knockout artists.

After losing to Oleksandr Usyk, his career took a more uneven course. The move up to heavyweight was complicated, affected by inactivity and physical adjustments. The split decision loss to Otto Wallin in 2023 raised doubts about his adaptation to the premier division.

Even so, Gassiev has regained ground with victories over Jeremiah Milton and Kem Ljungquist, fights that restored his rhythm and confidence. With a knockout percentage of over 78%, he remains a latent danger. The challenge now is clear: to prove that his power can make a difference against an opponent who has mastered the art of neutralizing threats.

Análise Final das Apostas: Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev

From a betting perspective, the fight presents an interesting dilemma: experience and consistency versus power and danger. Pulev comes in with consistency, confidence, and a predictable but effective fight plan. His three consecutive victories and recent coronation back him up, as does his ability to compete for 12 rounds without losing structure.

Gassiev represents the latent threat. If he finds the right punch in the early rounds, he can completely change the script. However, his recent lack of activity against top opponents and his defeat to Wallin raise questions about his sustained performance at the highest level of heavyweight boxing.

In addition, the regulatory context plays a role: the winner will face Moses Itauma, which puts extra pressure on him to avoid excessive punishment. Pulev, with his conservative style, seems better positioned to achieve that goal and leave the ring as champion.

Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev Betting Pick: Kubrat Pulev