Boxing promoter Don King is refusing to back down, insisting that the previously announced WBA Regular heavyweight title fight between Kubrat Pulev and number one-ranked WBA contender Michael Hunter will take place on Saturday, October 4, at Casino Miami.
King has vowed to fight any obstacles in the way, including legal action. He says he will sue all parties attempting to block the bout despite Hunter previously claiming he’s a free agent and trying to sign for a battle against Jarrell Miller during Canelo vs Crawford fight week.
The Hall of Famer points to the WBA already ruling in DKP’s favor on two prior appeals brought by representatives from Epic Sports and Entertainment.
“They are trying to destroy Michael Hunter’s career,” King said. “Epic Sports continues to spread lies and false statements. This fight will go on!”
Conflict behind the scenes
While King is adamant, Pulev’s team has publicly cast doubt on the bout’s feasibility, leaving fans and media questioning if the fight will truly go ahead.
The tension highlights ongoing disputes between promoters and management teams in heavyweight boxing, which have become increasingly common in high-stakes championship matchups.
Pulev’s team at Epic Sports told WBN, “After months of dispute and uncertainty, justice has prevailed.”
“Epic Sports & Entertainment, the official promoter of WBA World Heavyweight Champion Kubrat Pulev, announced today that it has successfully regained full control of Pulev’s first title defense following the invalidated purse bid previously ‘won’ by Don King Productions.
“On May 27, 2025, the World Boxing Association (WBA) awarded the purse bid promotional rights for Pulev’s mandatory defense against Michael Hunter to Don King Productions.
“However, prior to the purse bid, Epic Sports objected to Pulev being ordered to fight Hunter because Hunter was in a legal dispute with Don King Productions and had committed to fight on September 11, 2025.
“Following the recent confirmation of Hunter’s fight on September 11, 2025, against Jarrell Miller, as well as the continuing public disclosure of the legal dispute between Hunter and Don King Productions, the WBA has now agreed to rescind the purse bid award.
“In accordance with a signed settlement agreement between Pulev and the WBA, Pulev is no longer obligated to face Hunter and is cleared to make his first title defense against any ranked WBA contender on a voluntary basis,” they concluded.
Pulev insists he’s free to fight another opponent
Pulev, the current WBA secondary champion, is seeking to defend his title against another opponent after a series of ups and downs in his career. Hunter, on form during his WBA climb, is looking for a breakthrough on the world stage.
King’s statement signals that he is willing to go to court to ensure fighters’ rights are protected, a move that underscores his legendary reputation for fighting for his boxers. King insists Pulev vs Hunter will happen on October 4.
Pulev’s team casts doubt, but King is ready to fight in and out of the ring to protect the bout.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.