Kubrat Pulev becomes first Bulgarian WBA heavyweight champion

Bulgarian heavyweight boxing pride Kubrat Pulev won the World Boxing Association (WBA) regular title in a fight with Mahmoud Charr last night at Arena Sofia in front of a crowd of over 12 thousand. Kubrat Pulev won a unanimous decision over Mahmoud Charr (117-111, 117-111, 116-112) after a hard-fought 12 round, 36 minute fight on Saturday.

"I don't have a world title. Bulgaria has a world title! I want to thank our mother and father Venko Pulev (who is his first trainer - ed.), all the Bulgarian coaches and former champions who are an example for young boxers," said Pulev after the victory.

By winning the WBA 'regular' heavyweight title, Kubrat is now in a position to challenge the winner of the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury (December 21) for the WBA super title.

The win is Pulev's 32nd in the professional ring since turning pro in 2009.

The WINBET Fight Night gala at the Arena Sofia featured a total of nine boxing matches, with three Bulgarian victories. Before Pulev's victory, Zdravko Popov and Petar Draganov defeated their Mexican opponents - Rafael Ortiz by knockout in the third round and Juan Antonio Llanes by knockout in the fourth round.