Kubrat Pulev vs. Murat Gassiev - Popular British heavyweight makes prediction

British heavyweight Dave Allen expects Kubrat Pulev to beat Murat Gassiev when the pair meet in Dubai on Friday, live on DAZN. 

Pulev, who is making the first defence of his WBA 'regular' heavyweight title, is hoping to prolong his boxing career at the age of 44 despite being involved in some wars throughout his tenure inside the ring. 

His opponent Gassiev is a former unified champion at cruiserweight, and is now challenging for his first major title at heavyweight since making the move to boxing's most popular weight division in 2020. 

Allen admits to being a Gassiev fan

One man who will be watching the action at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium will be Allen who may have an eye on a future meeting with the winner. 

Speaking to the IBA's Pro Boxing Instagram account, Allen explained why Gassiev is a serious talent. 

"I think it’s a cracking fight. I’m actually a Gassiev fan," Allen said.

"Gassiev pre-Usyk looked to be an immovable object and a wrecking ball as well, he could give it and he could take it."

Allen questions whether Gassiev can deliver at top level

However, while Allen admires Gassiev, he is unsure as to whether the former cruiserweight world champion can make an impact at heavyweight. 

He cited Gassiev's split decision loss to Sweden's Otto Wallin two years ago as an example of the 32-year-old struggling against the division's best, which influenced Allen picking Pulev to win and make a successful defence of the WBA 'regular' heavyweight title. 

"The Wallin fight for me put a few questions there, can he make it at the top level at heavyweight?

"The answer is if he can’t, I think even at 44 Pulev can get the job done."

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