Bulgarian professional boxing star Kubrat Pulev and his opponent Murat Gasiev held the official press conference in Dubai for the first fight in the history of the United Arab Emirates, in which a world heavyweight title in professional boxing will be at stake.
Kubrat Pulev will defend the WBA regular title in a scheduled 12-round fight against Murat Gasiev. The duel will headline a fight gala on Friday night (12.12).
Not only the two aforementioned boxers, but also coaches Uli Wegner and Anton Kadushin, as well as promoters John Worth, Ivaylo Gotsev and Al Siesta and IBA President Umar Kremlev stood before journalists in Dubai.
“Being a world champion was my dream and my father's dream. My father was in love with boxing. My brother and I also love boxing because of that. Years later, I have over 300 amateur and many professional fights. I have a lot of experience and I thank God that I have the opportunity to fight for a world title. I am happy that I won this world title. I feel great, I feel strong, I have a lot of energy. When I go to training, I feel great. I thank God for everything. That is why I am a world champion and that is why I want to defend the title. Murat is a great champion and has a lot of experience, but I think I'm better and I'll show it. It won't be an easy fight. Gasiev is strong. If it were easy, it wouldn't be so nice", said Kobrata.
“As Kubrat's first opponent, we chose this tough fighter who is in shape. Some experts say he is the favorite, but not in my opinion. I think the fight is 50/50. Kubrat was young and faced the experienced, prepared and strong Wladimir Klitschko some time ago. Now Pulev is experienced, but Gasiev has strength in both hands. I believe that Kubrat is 100% now. He has the experience, he has the team around him. We are ready", said Kobrata's manager, Ivaylo Gotsev, and added that the team of the native boxer had legal battles with three separate athletes in order to secure a fight with Gasiev.
“This is a fight in the heavyweight division. One punch can completely change the fight. You have to be ready 1000% every second. Kubrat is a champion, he has a lot of experience. Many people said he was old, but age is just a number. He is always in good shape and looks perfect. I know he is ready for 12 rounds. I know it will be one of my toughest fights. We had a strong camp and we are ready for anything," Gasiev said.