BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The date December 7 looms on the horizon for boxing enthusiasts, yet it brings more skepticism than excitement as Mahmoud Charr prepares to face Kubrat Pulev in Sofia, Bulgaria, for what is being billed as a heavyweight title fight. This encounter raises eyebrows, primarily due to Charr’s rather dubious claim to the WBA heavyweight title, which many consider just a formality in a boxing landscape cluttered with questionable titles. While fight promotions often thrive on the allure of championship belts, this particular matchup feels more like a convoluted masquerade than a genuine contest for a heavyweight title.
Mahmoud Charr, a fighter whose reputation precedes him, has been plagued by injuries and inactivity. Incredibly, Charr has managed to lace up his gloves for a mere three fights since 2017, which paints a grim picture of a boxer struggling to maintain relevance in a sport that demands regular performance. Charr, who is now on the brink of turning 40, was last active in December 2022, where he scored a victory against Nuri Seferi. However, his claim to fame is a victory over Alexander Ustinov way back in November 2017, which awarded him his “world” title. With a record of 34 wins and 4 losses, Charr’s career seems more like an open-ended story with unresolved chapters, given his long absences from the ring.
In the opposing corner stands Kubrat Pulev, a fighter with a more illustrious background but nonetheless treading the same murky waters of age-related decline. At 43, Pulev’s experience shines through, yet it is overshadowed by his recent performances, particularly a lackluster decision win against Ihor Shevadzutskyi in March. With a professional record of 31 wins and 3 losses, Pulev has challenged for legitimate world titles, losing to respected champions like Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. However, the weight of his past glory struggles against the realities of his current form, as he appears slow and less agile than in his prime.
As fans speculate on the outcome of the December bout, the question remains: what is at stake for either fighter? A relatively far-fetched notion circulating in the boxing community claims that the winner might position themselves to challenge for the full WBA heavyweight title held by Oleksandr Usyk. Such proclamations ring hollow. With both men aging and not in their best fighting shapes, the likelihood of either being a true contender in the heavyweight division seems improbable.
Ultimately, this upcoming fight feels more like an exhibition than an authentic clash of titans deserving of recognition. Boxing fans deserve more—more action, more excitement, and, most importantly, more meaningful matches that advance the sport. The Charr vs. Pulev match holds the potential to be a stepping stone for younger fighters to enter the heavyweight scene rather than a benchmark for the current class of aging heavyweights. As the December date approaches, many will watch out of curiosity, yet the hope for a thrilling encounter may already be extinguished.
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