Sports

Moses Itauma brands rival a ‘dinosaur’ after being linked to title fight: “Let him retire”

Published

1 hour ago

11 December 2025

Moses Itauma will be ordered to fight British rival to earn a shot at Oleksandr Usyk

Moses Itauma has labelled Kubrat Pulev a “dinosaur,” but the Bulgarian has no intention of becoming extinct from the heavyweight landscape any time soon.

Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), prepares for the 36th fight of his career on Friday night in Dubai, where he defends his WBA “Regular” heavyweight title against former unified cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev.

It could have been Itauma in the opposite corner. The WBA had initially moved toward ordering that fight but shifted direction and instead mandated the 44-year-old Pulev to defend against Gassiev. Itauma, 20, now returns against Jermaine Franklin Jr on January 24 in Manchester, but knows he will face Pulev next if both men win their upcoming bouts.

As the mandatory challenger, Itauma and the winner of Friday’s title fight have until February 9 to reach a deal or head to purse bids, which would be split 50-50.

The British heavyweight prospect couldn’t resist a dig at Pulev’s veteran status, saying:

“Pulev is like 175 years old. Need to let that man retire soon. The man’s a dinosaur.”

Pulev, who has shared the ring with Wladimir Klitschko, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua, kept his response brief when asked about facing Itauma.

“I’m ready.”

Having boxed twice in the UK already, would he return for a third appearance?

“We’ll see. It’s another question. Why not. I’m ready.”

Itauma has already missed the chance to break Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest ever heavyweight champion. And while Pulev’s version of the WBA belt is not a recognised world title, winning it would move Itauma closer to a shot at current champions Oleksandr Usyk and Fabio Wardley.