Moses Itauma’s next fight is reportedly set to be pushed back by two months.
The Chatham southpaw was due to headline a Queensberry show in Manchester on December 13, following his one-round blowout of Dillian Whyte in August.
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Pulev was ordered to defend his WBA belt against ItaumaCredit: Dave Thompson/Matchroom
But according to BoxingScene, he is now likely to return to the ring on February 7 after a fight with WBA ‘regular’ champion Kubrat Pulev fell by the wayside.
The WBA ordered the Bulgarian to defend his lesser ‘world title’ against Itauma earlier this month.
Both parties were given 30 days to negotiate the bout before it went to purse bids.
However, Pulev opted to face Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai instead.
“That fight [Pulev-Gassiev] has not been ordered by the WBA,” a well-placed source told BoxingScene.
“If Pulev does fight Gassiev, then the WBA should strip him.”
Pulev had been granted a voluntary defence after snatching the ‘regular’ belt from Mahmoud Charr last December, but he took too long to organise such a fight, and so the WBA ordered him to box Michael Hunter.
Don King won a purse bid to host Hunter vs Pulev in October for the WBA belt.
But after the contest collapsed, the WBA enforced Pulev-Itauma.
What will happen to the December 13 card?
A final decision has not been made on the fate of the December 13 event just yet, although it appears that Derek Chisora, who was set to act as chief support, will be elevated to the top of the bill.
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A trilogy bout between Chisora and Whyte could replace Itauma in the headline slotCredit: GETTY
Chisora turned down a fight with Jarrell Miller after the option of a trilogy bout with Whyte was placed on the table.
David Haye, who used to manage Chisora, recently told The Sun that a third fight with Whyte was set to take place just before Christmas.
“[Chisora] and Dillian Whyte are doing a third fight,” Haye said.
“He wants to set the record straight for the trilogy fight.
“He’s gonna be in great shape and with Dillian Whyte, it’s really nice to see two fighters from the same era, loads of history, and simply doing it.”
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Chisora’s next fight will be announced on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
When Haye’s comments were put to Warren, the Queensberry chief replied: “I haven’t spoken to David Haye about it all.
“We will announce [what is next for Chisora] on Saturday.”
Chisora lost both of his barnburning bouts with Whyte, although they were competitive and enthralling throughout.
‘Del Boy’ recently revived his career with a trio of wins over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.
And would likely enter the bout as a favourite given Whyte’s recent downturn in form.