The World Boxing Association (WBA) has issued a resolution regarding the current situation in the heavyweight division, determining the special status of Super Champion Oleksandr Usyk and extending his mandatory defense period, while also defining the next steps for Champion Kubrat Pulev.
The committee analyzed the current state of the division, the individual situation of the Ukrainian champion, and granted a 24-month period to fulfill his mandatory defense, with the intention of allowing the fighter to face the most relevant opponents in the division. Meanwhile, Pulev is required to fulfill his mandatory bout against Fabio Wardley, the current number one ranked contender.
Usyk’s Case
Regarding Usyk, the committee analyzed the current state of the division, the individual situation of the Ukrainian champion, and granted him a 24-month period to fulfill his mandatory defense. The intention is to allow the fighter to pursue bouts against the most relevant opponents in the division.
Usyk’s case was examined starting in 2021, when he defeated Anthony Joshua to win the WBA heavyweight crown in September of that year. In August 2022, he returned to the ring for a rematch, where he once again emerged victorious. By August 2023, he fulfilled his mandatory obligation under the WBA by defeating Daniel Dubois.
In May 2024, he faced Tyson Fury for the undisputed title, winning by split decision. Then, in December of the same year, he fought Fury again in a rematch and secured another victory. Defeating the former lineal champion twice within a year is clear evidence of his outstanding performance.
Usyk has been involved in highly significant fights for boxing, marking a new era in the sport. For this reason, the Championship Committee, based on the internal regulations and the current global boxing landscape, has focused on fostering high-quality fights through activity and competition. This is why his mandatory defense period has been extended, allowing him the flexibility to seek the best possible matchups.
Pulev’s Case
As for Kubrat Pulev, the WBA Regular Champion, he must defend his title against Fabio Wardley, who is currently the number one ranked contender. The mandatory defense period will begin on March 5, 2025, and conclude on April 4, 2025.
The winner of Pulev vs. Wardley—or Pulev in the case of a draw—must then face Michael Hunter, the third-ranked contender, in a mandatory defense within 120 days of that bout, with a final deadline of October 25, 2025.
Any interested party may request a reconsideration of this resolution under WBA Rule F.5. Any issues that may arise along the way will be resolved according to the internal regulations, and this resolution supersedes any previous resolutions.
