The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing once again, and at the center of the conversation is the name of Moses Itauma, the 20-year-old prodigy who has been tearing through the division. Rumours have begun circulating that his next fight, set for December 13 in Manchester, could feature him against former British heavyweight champion David Adeleye.
The potential matchup has set the boxing community alight with speculation, given Itauma’s meteoric rise and Adeleye’s ongoing efforts to re-establish himself among the top British heavyweights. While no official confirmation has been made, Adeleye himself has broken his silence, offering a candid reaction to the talk.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of the rumoured bout, break down both fighters’ careers, and assess what this clash could mean for the future of the heavyweight division.
David Adeleye Reacts to Moses Itauma Rumours
The rumours began when Mike Coppinger of The Ring Magazine hinted that Adeleye was one of the names being considered for Itauma’s Manchester headliner. The December 13 card is expected to be one of the biggest British boxing events of the year, with Itauma poised to continue his destructive path toward a future world title shot.
Speaking to iFL TV, Adeleye gave his perspective on the speculation:
“To be honest, I don’t know. I think we’ve both got options, but my name’s been linked and everyone’s talking about it. There are a few avenues we can go down, a few options, and if it makes sense, it makes sense. Either way, I’m not fussed.”
Adeleye’s response was calm, measured, and non-committal. However, his name being linked to Itauma suggests that promoters are seriously considering the matchup. For Adeleye, this could represent both a massive opportunity and a considerable risk.
Moses Itauma’s Meteoric Rise
Moses Itauma is no ordinary 20-year-old. In fact, many in the boxing world already consider him a world champion in waiting. Standing tall at heavyweight and carrying frightening knockout power, Itauma has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting fighters on the planet.
His most recent fight — a first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte in August — sent shockwaves through the division. Beating an experienced veteran in such dominant fashion, Itauma improved his record to 13-0, with most of his victories coming inside the distance.
Observers and experts believe Itauma has the rare combination of physical gifts, technical skills, and mental maturity to dominate heavyweight boxing for years to come. The comparison to legends like Mike Tyson has already been made, though Itauma insists he is carving out his own path.
Adeleye’s Position in the Heavyweight Picture
While Moses Itauma has been flying high, David Adeleye finds himself in a rebuilding phase. Adeleye last fought on the same card where Itauma demolished Whyte, taking on Filip Hrgovic in what turned out to be a tough assignment. Adeleye lost on the judges’ scorecards, but many saw it as a valuable experience for the London-born fighter.
At 28 years old, Adeleye still has time to make a resurgence, but he knows that any further setbacks could harm his chances of staying relevant in a stacked heavyweight division. Facing Itauma would represent a huge challenge — but also an opportunity to shock the world.
If Adeleye could pull off an upset, he would instantly catapult himself back into contention and remind fans why he was once considered one of Britain’s brightest heavyweight prospects.
Why Adeleye vs. Itauma Makes Sense
Despite Adeleye’s recent defeat, the matchup makes sense for several reasons:
British Rivalry Appeal
Boxing fans in the UK love domestic clashes, and a showdown between two British heavyweights would generate massive interest.
Testing Itauma’s Mettle
While Itauma has already beaten big names like Whyte, a bout against Adeleye would give him another chance to prove he can handle experienced, rugged opponents who won’t fold easily.
Career Lifeline for Adeleye
A win over Itauma would be career-defining for Adeleye. Even a competitive showing could boost his stock and keep him in the conversation.
Promotional Value
With Itauma headlining a big Manchester event, matching him with a fellow Brit increases marketability and ticket sales.
Derek Chisora Joins the Card
Adding to the drama, Derek Chisora — a legend of British boxing — has confirmed that he will also fight on the December 13 card. The bout will be his 50th and final professional fight, marking the end of an illustrious career that has seen him battle some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division.
Chisora’s inclusion gives the Manchester event even greater significance. His farewell fight will draw huge crowds, and if Itauma is headlining, the night could become one of the most memorable in recent British boxing history.
What Adeleye Brings to the Table
Though Adeleye enters as the underdog in any potential fight with Itauma, he does bring some weapons:
Experience in tough fights: Having faced Filip Hrgovic, Adeleye knows what it feels like to step in with world-level opposition.
Resilience and toughness: Adeleye has shown durability in past fights and is not afraid to mix it up.
Opportunity-driven mindset: With his back against the wall, Adeleye may bring the kind of hunger that can make a fight dangerous for a rising star.
However, Adeleye will also need to sharpen his defense and conditioning. Itauma is known for fast starts and relentless pressure, so Adeleye cannot afford to be caught cold.
Itauma’s Road to a World Title
For Moses Itauma, the rumoured fight with Adeleye would be another stepping stone on his journey toward a world title. Itauma has already been linked with potential matchups against Fabio Wardley, Joseph Parker, and even Oleksandr Usyk down the line.
His promoters have made it clear that they are carefully managing his rise. While some fans want to see him thrown straight into the deep end, Itauma’s team is ensuring that each fight is a step toward the ultimate prize.
If he beats Adeleye — and does so impressively — the calls for a world title shot will grow louder.
Fans React to the Rumours
On social media, the reaction to the rumours has been mixed. Some fans believe Adeleye is not ready to take on Itauma and fear the fight could be one-sided. Others argue that Adeleye deserves the chance, pointing out that heavyweight boxing is full of surprises.
One fan wrote: “Itauma looks unstoppable, but Adeleye has nothing to lose. That makes him dangerous.”
Another commented: “If Itauma beats Adeleye, the hype train is unstoppable. If Adeleye wins, it’s one of the biggest upsets in British boxing.”
The Bigger Picture in Heavyweight Boxing
The rumoured Adeleye vs. Itauma fight also ties into the broader heavyweight landscape. With Oleksandr Usyk holding the undisputed crown, challengers like Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley jockeying for position, and legends like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still in the mix, the division has never been more exciting.
For a young fighter like Itauma, every fight is about proving he belongs at the elite level. For Adeleye, it’s about survival, redemption, and opportunity.
Will It Happen?
As of now, nothing has been confirmed. But the rumours of Moses Itauma vs. David Adeleye are gaining traction, and both fighters have acknowledged that the matchup is at least a possibility.
Whether the fight takes place on December 13 in Manchester will depend on negotiations, promotional decisions, and the fighters’ willingness to take the risk.
One thing is certain: if the bout is signed, it will be one of the most intriguing British heavyweight clashes of the year. With Itauma looking to cement his place as the future of the division and Adeleye fighting for redemption, the stakes could not be higher.