British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma has been granted a world title shot in 2026 after the World Boxing Association officially sanctioned his mandatory challenge against the winner of the December 12 clash between WBA Regular Champion Kubrat Pulev and Murat Gassiev.

The WBA ruling confirms that Itauma retains his mandatory status as the No.1 contender and will face the winner of Pulev–Gassiev, or Pulev in case of a draw or no-decision.

The decision follows a special permit request submitted by Pulev’s team after a previous WBA resolution had ordered a mandatory defence against Itauma.

According to the WBA ruling, the 20-year-old has also been cleared to take an optional bout against Jermaine Franklin on January 24, 2026, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

The victor of Pulev–Gassiev will be required to defend the WBA Regular heavyweight title against Itauma. The negotiation period will open on January 25 and close on February 9, 2026.

If no agreement is reached within that timeframe, the Association will call for a purse bid, with a 50-50 split between both boxers.

The WBA emphasised that no further special permits will be granted until Itauma exercises his rights as the mandatory challenger, in accordance with the organisation’s championship regulations.

After a quiet 2025 with just two outings, more activity will be music to the ears of Itauma, who is 13-0 with 11 knockouts.

This year, he dispatched Mike Balogun and then long-time contender and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August.

Pulev, 32-3 with 14 knockouts, will defend his WBA “Regular” heavyweight title for the second time when he meets former unified cruiserweight champion Gassiev, 32-2 with 25 knockouts, on December 12.

If, as expected, Itauma beats Franklin, it’s hard to imagine the Brit travelling to Bulgaria or Russia to face Pulev or Gassiev. Should his promoter Frank Warren bring the title fight to the UK, it would mark a third visit for Pulev, who lost on both previous occasions, to Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora.

Itauma has already been linked with a future fight against undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, with many fans and experts believing the young British-Nigerian will one day rule the division. (PUNCH)