On December 7th, 2023, the spotlight will shine on Sofia, Bulgaria, as two heavyweight fighters, Mahmoud Charr and Kubrat Pulev, step into the ring. Some might dismiss this matchup as a mere formality, questioning its legitimacy as a world heavyweight title fight. While the anticipation surrounding the event may not parallel that of a traditional title bout, the fact that it will be broadcast live by DAZN injects a dose of intrigue into this otherwise nonchalant clash. Fans who regularly subscribe to the platform will likely find themselves tuning in to witness Charr’s and Pulev’s every move, regardless of the fight’s questionable credentials.
Charr, at 40 years old, possesses a professional record of 34 wins, 4 losses, and 20 knockouts. On the other hand, Pulev, at 43, has a slightly more favorable record of 31 wins and 3 losses, with 14 knockouts. Both fighters embody the essence of seasoned pros, having competed in the ring for years. However, their recent inactivity raises eyebrows about their conditioning and performance. Charr has participated in only three fights since 2017, a concerning statistic that leaves fans wondering about his preparedness for this matchup. Similarly, Pulev’s age coupled with his last few years in the sport suggests that both fighters are not in their prime and may struggle to execute their game plans with the fluidity of younger fighters.
Despite the lackluster buildup to this fight, it holds potential for excitement. The prospect of two aging heavyweights throwing caution to the wind in a barroom-brawl-like atmosphere appeals to certain segments of the boxing fan base. The unpredictability of such a clash creates a unique charm—while both fighters may not display the finesse of champions, their relentless drive and willpower could result in a surprisingly compelling bout. As fans, we often relish in the chaos of a raw and rugged matchup, and Charr versus Pulev might just deliver that.
Additionally, on the same night, DAZN will feature a more legitimate bout between Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico. This contest is expected to draw the attention of purists who appreciate the technical aspects of boxing. The contrasting nature of these two fights on the same card highlights a broader discussion in the boxing community regarding the growing popularity of “circus” bouts versus the traditional, skill-focused contests.
As much as one might want to shake their head at the absurdity of categorizing Charr vs. Pulev as a title fight, the human aspect of curiosity will undoubtedly draw many viewers, including myself, to the screen. There’s an undeniable thrill in watching two fighters lay it all on the line, even if the underlying narrative feels somewhat forced. The evening promises an interesting dynamic: which fight will manage to captivate the audience? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—a night of boxing awaits.