One day after being ordered to defend his title against Moses Itauma, Kubrat Pulev (32-3, 14 KOs) has other plans in mind.

The heavyweight will officially defend his secondary WBA belt against Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs) on December 12 at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The event will be a headliner in a two-week festival filled with professional and amateur bouts.

Tuesday, the WBA announced that Michael Hunter was removed from his mandatory status after entertaining a bout with Jarrell Miller. In his place, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) was elevated to mandatory status. Both sides were given 30 days to come to an agreement.

After stopping Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Saudi Arabia, the 20-year-old rising contender is expected to headline a card December 13.