Where to Watch Charr vs Kubrat Pulev WBA Heavyweight Title Fight

Mahmoud Charr (34-4, 20 KOs) was to fight former world title challenger, Kubrat Pulev (30-3, 14 KOs), on March 30, 2024 at the Arena Sofia, Bulgaria.

Instead, Ihor  Shevadzutskyi (11-1 (9 KOs)) will now face Pulev for the WBA International Heavyweight Championship, replacing WBA Heavyweight Champion Charr (34-4 (20 KOs)).

Charr “sustained a tear to the distal tendon of his bicep while sparring earlier this week and underwent surgery yesterday.”

Ivaylo Gotzev, CEO of Epic Sports, Pulev’s promoter, said in a release, “after our long-awaited Bulgarian homecoming, we were hit with a formidable challenge by Charr’s injury.

“While we are disappointed, we have been planning a great evening of boxing and entertainment for Bulgaria and therefore the show must go on! Kubrat’s brother, Tervel, a former Olympic bronze medalist, will be fighting Rolly Lambert Tameza as the co-feature bout. The Hulk is a tough and rugged heavy hitter who has nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Gotzev continued.

“He knocked out his latest opponent only last month and is in great shape.  He was at the gym training when he got the call and didn’t hesitate a second to take this great opportunity. He has a come forward style with knockout power in both hands.

“It’s a risky fight for Kubrat, but he relishes a challenge and wants his fans and boxing fans around the world to see a competitive match.”

WBA Heavyweight Champion Mahmoud Charr said in a release, “I tore the distal tendon of my bicep in training. I am gutted to announce that I cannot fight on March 30. My training was going well which makes this doubly hard.  I look forward to a quick recovery.

“I am hoping to be able to attend on the event on March 30.  I look forward to the rescheduled WBA world title bout with Kubrat at the earliest opportunity,” Charr finished.

The clash will be streamed live on DAZN. —-Friday afternoon update

Charr vs Pulev to Unfold in Bulgaria

It’s a clash capital V vets, with Charr at 39 years old, and Pulev at 42. But Pulev at least has activity on his side.

Charr didn’t fight once, in 2018, 2019, 2020. He beat Chris Lovejoy in 2021, and Nikola Milacic and Nuri Seferi in 2022.

Pulev, ok, he hasn’t been crazy/busy either. Remember when he stepped in it?

He took a year (2021) off after getting thumped by Anthony Joshua.

Pulev beat Jerry Forrest and lost to Derrick Chisora in 2022. His last outing came versus Andrzej Wawrzyk in December 2023.

Promoter Speaks on Charr vs Pulev

John Wirt, President of Epic Sports, said, “We are thrilled to be in business with DAZN and are excited that boxing fans around the world will have the opportunity to witness live the first ever heavyweight world championship being held in Bulgaria.

“We will be announcing the full undercard shortly,” he said,  “but can confirm that the co-feature bout will be between Kubrat’s brother, former Olympic bronze medalist, Trevel Pulev (18-1 (14 KOs)) versus Rolly Lambert Fogoum (16-2 (12 KOs)).”

MY TAKE: I’d lean the older dude, inactivity is a killer.