On December 7, 2023, boxing enthusiasts will be treated to an unusual matchup between Mahmoud Charr and Kubrat Pulev in Sofia, Bulgaria. This bout, which many might hesitate to classify as a legitimate world heavyweight title fight, sees Charr defending what is jokingly referred to as his “regular” WBA heavyweight title—a claim that raises eyebrows among boxing purists. The narrative surrounding Charr, a fighter who has experienced prolonged inactivity, continues as he prepares for what many hope will be an event worth witnessing, despite a backdrop of skepticism.
Mahmoud Charr, known as the “Diamond Boy,” is a curious case in boxing history. At 39 years old, soon to turn 40, he has only participated in three fights since 2017, including a single appearance in 2022, where he managed to stop Nuri Seferi. His inactivity raises questions about his ability to compete at a high level. Charr won his WBA title back in 2017, defeating Alexander Ustinov via unanimous decision; however, the lack of consistent performances drapes a cloud of uncertainty over his boxing credentials today. For a fighter with a record of 34 wins and 4 losses, his achievements seem distant in light of his sporadic appearances.
On the other side, Kubrat Pulev, the “Bulgarian Cobra,” brings contrasting experiences to the ring. At 43, Pulev is slightly older than Charr and has fought against the elite in the heavyweight division, including two attempts at world titles where he faced the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. Yet, at 31 wins against 3 losses, his recent performances have been underwhelming. His last fight—a lackluster decision victory over Ihor Shevadzutskyi—illustrates a fighter who, while durable, lacks the dynamism needed at this level. Clearly, time is not on his side, and fans are left wondering if he still harbors the skills to succeed against a similarly aged opponent.
What’s oddly notable about this bout is the anticipated fallout, should either fighter manage not only to emerge victorious but also to establish themselves as a contender. Some dubious reports suggest that the winner might be in line to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the full WBA heavyweight title. While such talk may excite casual fans, it sounds more like fantasy than reality for fighters battling with diminished capacities. With both competitors being past their primes and realistically fighting for a secondary title, the bout may simply serve as a spectacle rather than a showdown that can shake up the heavyweight division.
As the fight day approaches, questions loom large: Will Charr finally make it to the ring, and if he does, what version of him will emerge? Can Pulev revitalize his career and prove that he still belongs among seasoned professionals? The December encounter, laden with historical weight yet questionable legitimacy, holds a peculiar allure. While both fighters may not represent the peak of boxing talent, the clash encapsulates the sport’s ability to surprise, offering fans the hope of witnessing a titanic struggle between two heavyweights—flawed but compelling.