The WBA appears to be willing to give Kubrat Pulev a pass.

A few weeks ago, the sanctioning body ordered its secondary titleholder to defend his heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Moses Itauma. The sides were given a deadline of November 14 to come to terms; otherwise, a purse bid would have been called.

However, Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) announced that he already signed a contract to face Murat Gassiev on December 12 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. According to a report first obtained by journalist Dan Rafael, WBA is “inclined” to sanction the bout, but only if Pulev requests it.

“At Pulev’s request, and consistent with his Settlement Agreement with the WBA, the WBA is inclined to sanction a Pulev-Gassiev bout,” the WBA stated in the document. “However, such a sanction must be issued consistent with WBA rules. Therefore, Pulev should file a Special Permit Request to authorize his proposed title defense bout. Because time is of the essence for the affected parties, Pulev should file as soon as he is able, and the Request will be considered on an expedited basis.”

It’s unclear if the winner of their fight will be mandated to face Itauma immediately after.

The 44-year-old Pulev might be getting up there in age, but his recent form has him feeling good about himself. Following a split-decision loss to Derek Chisora in 2022, the native Bulgarian has won three fights in a row, with his latest coming December 7 against Mahmoud Charr.

As for Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs), he’s attempting to become a two-division champion. The former cruiserweight champ has gone 6-1 since making his heavyweight debut in 2020.

He recently knocked off fringe contender Jeremiah Milton, whom he stopped after the sixth round August 23 in Miami.

Meanwhile, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) will attempt to figure out his next move. The 20-year-old phenom has been praised for his first-round stoppage of former WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte on August 16 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

England’s Itauma was originally penciled in for a December 13 return. His promoter, Frank Warren, has since said Itauma will next fight early in 2026.