Bulgarian Boxer Kubrat Pulev Makes History with WBA Heavyweight Title Win

Kubrat Pulev has become the first Bulgarian to win a world heavyweight boxing title, securing the WBA belt after defeating Germany's Mahmoud Charr on Saturday night in Sofia. Pulev triumphed via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the fight 117-111, 117-111, and 116-112, CE Report quotes BTA

The bout, held at Arena 8888 Sofia Hall before a crowd of over 10,000, adds to Pulev's impressive record of 32 wins (14 by knockout) and 3 losses in 35 professional fights. At 43 years old, the former European amateur champion has been on a strong streak, including victories over Andrzej Wawrzyk of Poland and Ukraine's Ihor Shevadzutskyi earlier this year.

This victory opens the door for Pulev to compete for the WBA super world title. The current champion, Oleksandr Usyk, will face Tyson Fury on December 21 to determine who Pulev will potentially challenge.

For Mahmoud Charr, the loss marks the fifth defeat of his career. The 40-year-old, who holds a record of 34 wins (20 by knockout) in 39 fights, returned to the ring after a two-year hiatus, having last fought in December 2022.