Kubrat Pulev’s tenure as the World Boxing Association’s regular heavyweight champion came to a sudden and painful end after a knockout defeat to Russia’s Murat Gassiev. A single, perfectly timed punch in the sixth round brought the contest to an abrupt conclusion and shifted the balance of the title picture.
The Bulgarian veteran had started the fight with confidence and purpose. From the opening bell, Pulev looked sharp and composed, pressing forward behind his jab and asserting control over the early exchanges. His experience at the top level was evident as he dictated the pace.
In the first round, Pulev finished strongly, landing straight punches from both hands and a right hook to the body. Gassiev, known for his power, appeared cautious early on, taking time to read his opponent and struggling to close the distance effectively.
The second round continued in a similar rhythm. Pulev’s left jab repeatedly found its mark, disrupting Gassiev’s forward movement and preventing the Russian from setting his feet. Straight shots down the middle kept Gassiev on the defensive, with few clear openings available.
Pulev again seemed in control during the third round. His timing and rhythm remained intact, and he continued to score with clean punches while limiting Gassiev’s opportunities. At that stage, the Bulgarian appeared comfortable and confident in his approach.
However, the complexion of the bout began to change toward the end of the fourth round. Gassiev started to land heavier shots, particularly to Pulev’s head, signaling a shift in momentum. The Russian’s patience appeared to pay off as he found ways through Pulev’s guard.
The fifth round was the most dramatic of the contest. Pulev came out aggressively and stunned Gassiev with a left hook followed by a sharp right straight that split the guard. For a brief moment, it seemed the Bulgarian might be closing in on a decisive breakthrough.
Around 20 seconds later, Gassiev responded emphatically. He fired back with a powerful right hook of his own, igniting a fierce exchange between the two heavyweights. The tempo lifted noticeably, with both fighters trading blows in the center of the ring.
Pulev finished the fifth round more actively, landing solid right hands to Gassiev’s chin. Yet the increased intensity also left both men exposed, setting the stage for a decisive moment as the fight moved into the sixth round.
That moment came almost immediately. At the very start of the round, Gassiev connected with a crushing left hook that caught Pulev cleanly. The Bulgarian was sent to the canvas, and the referee quickly waved the fight off, bringing a sudden end to the contest.
The knockout secured Gassiev the WBA regular heavyweight title and capped a measured performance in which patience and power proved decisive. For Pulev, it was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in elite-level boxing.
Speaking after the bout, Pulev addressed his supporters with honesty and humility. He thanked those who stood by him and acknowledged the unforgiving nature of the sport, noting that a single punch can determine the outcome of months of preparation.
The defeat represents the third knockout loss of Pulev’s professional career. He was previously stopped by Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 and Anthony Joshua in 2019, both world champions during their respective reigns.
While the loss adds another difficult chapter to Pulev’s career, it also underlines his willingness to continue competing at the highest level. For Gassiev, the victory marks a significant statement and positions him as a renewed force in the heavyweight division.