Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions are gearing up for one of the most significant boxing nights of the year as they continue to lock in opponents for two of Britain’s biggest heavyweight attractions. On December 13, 2025, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, fans will witness a night that blends the past, present, and future of heavyweight boxing.

At the heart of the card are two names at very different stages of their careers — Derek Chisora, the veteran warrior preparing for his 50th and potentially final fight, and Moses Itauma, the unbeaten young prodigy already being fast-tracked toward a world title shot.

The task now for Warren and his team is clear: find the right opponents who can make this night unforgettable.

Derek Chisora: A Career Nears Its Final Chapter

For over two decades, Derek “War” Chisora has been one of the most entertaining figures in British boxing. With a record of 36-13 (23 KOs), Chisora has shared the ring with some of the sport’s biggest names, from Vitali Klitschko to Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua to Oleksandr Usyk.

Chisora recently took to Instagram to announce that December 13 will mark his 50th professional bout, a milestone that highlights both his longevity and toughness. For many fans, it represents the end of an era.

The Challenge of Securing a Final Opponent

Despite the excitement, Warren admitted on talkSPORT that an opponent for Chisora has not yet been finalized:

“We were looking at an opponent but that opponent is no longer available so we’ve got to fish around and hunt for a new one,” Warren explained.

High-profile options like Deontay Wilder and Daniel Dubois have already been ruled out — Wilder due to career directions and Dubois due to injury. Still, given Chisora’s No. 2 IBF ranking, there remains a strong incentive for contenders to step in. A victory over Chisora could provide a valuable boost in the heavyweight landscape, while also granting the winner the chance to headline a historic night.

Moses Itauma: The Rising Heavyweight Star

If Chisora represents experience, grit, and legacy, then Moses Itauma embodies youth, power, and the promise of the future. At only 20 years old, Itauma already boasts a professional record of 13-0 (11 KOs), and his rise has been nothing short of spectacular.

Ranked inside the top five by all four sanctioning bodies, and recently climbing to The Ring Magazine’s No. 9 contender, Itauma is seen by many as the future of the heavyweight division.

A Statement Win Against Dillian Whyte

In August, Itauma made headlines by dismantling the seasoned Dillian Whyte inside the very first round. That performance was meant to be his toughest test yet, but Itauma dispatched Whyte with such dominance that many observers believe he is ready for a world title push far earlier than anticipated.

Despite his meteoric rise, Itauma has never fought beyond six rounds, a fact that underscores both his knockout power and the questions surrounding his stamina and durability in longer fights. The December 13 headline slot is designed to help him gain critical experience before his projected 2026 world title challenge.

The Difficult Task of Finding an Opponent for Itauma

While matching Chisora is a challenge in its own right, finding someone willing to face Moses Itauma is an even bigger headache. The young southpaw is already regarded as one of the most dangerous and avoided fighters in the heavyweight division.

Warren explained the dilemma:

“You do get that from some of them and then the other way of saying ‘no thanks’ is to ask for crazy money which doesn’t make it economically viable.”

Some fighters flat-out decline to step into the ring with Itauma, while others demand such inflated purses that the fight becomes unrealistic. Still, Warren insists there are active negotiations with willing contenders.

What December 13 Means for British Boxing

The Manchester Co-op Live Arena is set to become the epicenter of British boxing this winter. A card featuring both Derek Chisora’s farewell fight and Moses Itauma’s latest step toward glory symbolizes the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

For Chisora: Legacy and Farewell

If this truly is Chisora’s final appearance, the night will be about more than just the fight itself. It will be a celebration of a career that spanned decades, thrilled fans, and provided countless unforgettable nights. Win or lose, Chisora has cemented his reputation as one of the most durable, courageous, and entertaining heavyweights in modern history.

For Itauma: Preparation for Greatness

For Itauma, the fight is all about development. While his talent is undeniable, Warren and his team know that proper matchmaking is critical at this stage. The goal is not just to keep him unbeaten, but to prepare him for the pressures of a world title fight, where endurance, strategy, and mental resilience are as important as knockout power.

Potential Opponents Being Considered

Though Warren has kept names close to the chest, speculation is rife about who could face the two heavyweights.

For Derek Chisora, possible opponents include fringe contenders or ranked fighters who see opportunity in his IBF position. A fight against a rising name could make sense, while a rematch with a familiar foe is also not off the table.

For Moses Itauma, the challenge is greater. He needs someone durable enough to take him into the later rounds without being overmatched. Experienced journeymen or gatekeepers might be the most realistic options. Whoever accepts the bout will face a dangerous assignment but gain exposure on one of the year’s biggest stages.

The Importance of December 13 for Queensberry Promotions

Frank Warren has always prided himself on delivering memorable shows, and the December 13 Manchester event has all the ingredients to be special. Blending Chisora’s farewell with Itauma’s rise creates a narrative that appeals to both long-time fans and new audiences.

The event also underscores Warren’s role in shaping the future of British heavyweight boxing. Just as Chisora has been a cornerstone of British boxing for years, Itauma may soon carry that torch into a new era.

The Road to 2026

With Itauma targeting a world title shot in 2026, every fight matters. Each opponent must push him further, testing his conditioning, adaptability, and composure under pressure. December 13 will be another vital step on that journey.

For Chisora, however, the night will likely serve as a closing chapter. His career has been one defined by bravery, perseverance, and a willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. That same spirit has made him a fan favorite and ensures his name will always carry respect in boxing circles.

The December 13 Manchester card promises to be a night of contrasts: one fighter saying goodbye, another laying the groundwork for greatness. Derek Chisora’s 50th fight is a milestone in British boxing history, while Moses Itauma’s headline appearance is a glimpse into the division’s future.

Finding the right opponents remains the pressing task for Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions, but regardless of who steps through the ropes, fans can expect drama, emotion, and heavyweight action at its finest.

This event will not only celebrate the legacy of a warrior but also showcase the rise of a prodigy. As the countdown to December 13 in Manchester begins, boxing fans can prepare for a night that will be remembered for years to come.