Epic Sports & Entertainment To Promote Pulev’s WBA Title Defense
After months of dispute and uncertainty, justice has prevailed. Epic Sports & Entertainment, the official promoter of WBA World Heavyweight Champion Kubrat Pulev, announced today that it has successfully regained full control of Pulev’s first title defense following the invalidated purse bid previously “won” by Don King Productions.
On 27 May 2025, the World Boxing Association (WBA) awarded the purse bid promotional rights for Pulev’s mandatory defense against Michael Hunter to Don King Productions. However, prior to the purse bid, Epic Sports objected to Pulev being ordered to fight Hunter because Hunter was in a legal dispute with Don King Productions and had committed to fight on September 11, 2025.
Following the recent confirmation of Hunter’s fight on September 11, 2025 against Jarrell Miller as well as the continuing public disclosure of the legal dispute between Hunter and Don King Productions, the WBA has now agreed to rescind the purse bid award. In accordance with a signed settlement agreement between Pulev and the WBA, Pulev is no longer obligated to face Hunter and is cleared to make his first title defense against any ranked WBA contender on a voluntary basis.
Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of Epic Sports & Entertainment
“We are ecstatic that justice has prevailed. We worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The resolution made by the WBA restores clarity and allows us to finally start planning proper negotiations for Kubrat’s first title defense. The heavyweight division is wide open, and we are now in position to stage a world-class event with renewed energy and excitement.”
Kubrat Pulev, WBA World Heavyweight Champion:
“I’ve waited patiently while this situation played out, and now the path is clear. I am ready to defend my belt with honor before the end of 2025. The fans deserve a big fight, and I am motivated more than ever to deliver. I welcome all serious challengers who want to step into the ring with me.”
John Wirt, Chairman of Epic Sports & Entertainment:
“From the outset, we made clear that Hunter was in a legal dispute with Don King Productions and already committed to a September 11 fight, so the WBA should never have ordered a Pulev–Hunter purse bid. DKP’s press release attacking Pulev is baseless. Pulev simply exercised his right to due process under the WBA’s own rules — and the facts prevailed.”
Open for Business
Epic Sports & Entertainment is officially inviting credible heavyweight contenders, promoters, and commercial partners to engage in discussions regarding Pulev’s first defense of the WBA Regular Heavyweight Championship. With global broadcast opportunities and major event partnerships on the table, Epic Sports is committed to staging a fight that elevates both Pulev and the prestige of the WBA title.
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