Kubrat Pulev vs. Fabio Wardley Ordered - Winner to Face Michael Hunter.

Sofia, Bulgaria - At 42 years old, Kubrat Pulev is no stranger to high-level competition, having previously shared the ring with Wladimir Klitschko, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora. He captured the WBA Regular belt last December by defeating Manuel Charr, but now faces a much younger, fresher opponent in Fabio Wardley.

Pulev’s longevity in the sport is impressive, but his recent performances suggest he is not the same force he once was. While his technical skills remain sharp, his reflexes, durability, and ability to keep up with younger, faster heavyweights are in question. Against Joshua in 2020, he suffered a brutal knockout loss, and despite rebounding with a few wins, many believe his time in the sport is running out.

With Wardley hungry for his first world title (even if it’s a secondary version), Pulev will have to dig deep to fend off a younger, stronger, and highly motivated challenger.

Fabio Wardley has been one of the more intriguing additions to the heavyweight landscape in recent years. With no formal amateur background, he started his career through white-collar boxing but has quickly evolved into a polished and powerful fighter. His combination of speed, accuracy, and knockout power has made him one of the division’s most exciting rising stars.

Despite early vulnerabilities—such as struggling with Nathan Gorman’s jab—Wardley has improved fight after fight. His recent rematch victory over Frazer Clarke, featuring one of the best knockouts of 2024, showcased his ability to adapt, learn, and finish opponents decisively.

Against Pulev, Wardley will have to deal with an experienced veteran who knows how to frustrate opponents, but if he fights at a high pace and lets his power go, he could very well force a stoppage and claim his first 'world' title.

The winner of Pulev vs. Wardley won’t have much time to celebrate, as the WBA has already mandated Michael Hunter as the next challenger.

Hunter, 35, once looked like one of the most talented and promising heavyweights in the world. After competing as a cruiserweight—where he lost a competitive bout to Oleksandr Usyk—he moved up in weight and went on a strong run, including wins over Martin Bakole and Alexander Ustinov, along with a  draw against Alexander Povetkin.

However, his career has stalled in recent years. After pulling out of a purse bid to face Filip Hrgovic, he ended up signing with Triller, where his career took an unexpected downward turn. His performances have been inconsistent, and his decision to fight on a Don King show in 2024 raised eyebrows.

Still, Hunter remains a tricky and skilled boxer, and if he can return to his best form, he could pose a serious challenge for either Pulev or Wardley.

How Will This Play Out?

• If Pulev wins, he’ll prove that experience can still trump youth. However, at 42, it’s hard to imagine him being able to deal with the relentless work rate and athleticism of Wardley or the movement and skills of Hunter in the next fight.
• If Wardley wins, he gets a statement victory and a WBA title to add credibility to his resume. A fight with Michael Hunter would then be a big test, as Hunter’s boxing ability could expose Wardley’s defensive flaws.

With the heavyweight division in flux, this mini-tournament of sorts will create a fresh contender for the world title scene.

While the WBA Regular title remains a controversial subject, the Pulev vs. Wardley matchup is an intriguing clash of generations, and the addition of Michael Hunter to the mix makes for an interesting path forward.

Will Pulev’s experience or Wardley’s explosiveness come out on top? And will Michael Hunter finally reassert himself as a legitimate contender, or will the new wave take over?

One thing’s for sure—heavyweight boxing just got a little more interesting.

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