site.btaKubrat Pulev Makes History as First Bulgarian to Win World Title in Professional Heavyweight Boxing

Bulgarian boxer Kubrat Pulev claimed the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight regular title after defeating Germany's Mahmoud Charr in a bout held in Sofia on Saturday evening. With this victory, Pulev made history as the first Bulgarian to win a world title in professional heavyweight boxing. The win also grants him the opportunity to contend for the WBA super world title, which will be decided on December 21 in a bout between reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Before a crowd of over 10,000 spectators at Arena 8888 Sofia Hall, Pulev secured the victory via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the fight 117-111, 117-111, and 116-112 in his favor.

The 43-year-old Bulgarian now holds a professional record of 32 wins (14 by knockout) and 3 losses in 35 fights. The 2008 European amateur champion has been on a winning streak over the past year, defeating Poland’s Andrzej Wawrzyk and Ukraine's Ihor Shevadzutskyi prior to this bout.

Mahmoud Charr faced the fifth loss in his career. His record also includes 34 wins (20 by knockout) in 39 fights. The 40-year-old German was returning to the ring for the first time in nearly two years, with his last fight taking place on December 21, 2022, when he defeated Albanian Nuri Seferi in the second round.