Kubrat Pulev from Bulgaria is set to throw down with Germany’s Mahmoud Charr, who you might remember as Manuel Charr, for the WBA (World Boxing Association) regular heavyweight crown in Sofia on the 30th of March, as announced by the pair at a press do in the Bulgarian capital.
The heavyweight tussle is slated for Arena Sofia. This WBA Regular Heavyweight Crown is a newfangled thing from the WBA, making room for multiple champs in the same division. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk is clutching onto the WBA Super Heavyweight Crown, prepping to defend it in a clash with Britain’s own Tyson Fury.
“I’m up against a proper tough cookie,” Pulev quipped, “We’ve both been around the block a few times.”
“This is it, the big one for me and Kubrat. I’ve been in the promoting game 30 years dreaming of a world title scrap in Sofia,” Pulev’s manager, Ivaylo Gotsev, chimed in.
“I’m in it for the glory, not the gold. Chase the cash, and you’re barking up the wrong tree. Stick to the grind, and your dreams will come knocking,” Charr proclaimed.
And it’s a family affair, with Kubrat’s brother Tervel also on the bill, though his dance partner is yet to be named.
“The WBA [regular] world title is all set. Now we’re just waiting on the refs to be sorted. It’s a golden ticket for both Charr and Pulev, what with Anthony Joshua stepping into the ring on March 8 and the Usyk-Fury showdown on the horizon,” said Mariana Borissova, WBA Europe President and Bulgaria’s boxing bigwig.
42-year-old Kubrat Pulev boasts 30 victories (14 by knockout) from 33 bouts. The 39-year-old Mahmoud Charr has notched up 34 wins (20 by knockout) in 38 bouts.