The world of heavyweight boxing is on the brink of a major shake-up, and at the heart of it all is Moses Itauma. The unbeaten prospect from Chatham, Kent, will take center stage on December 13, 2025, headlining the Queensberry Promotions bill at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, just 12 days before Christmas. This marks a significant moment in his career, as Itauma continues his meteoric rise and cements his reputation as one of the most talked-about young fighters in the sport.
Although his opponent has yet to be confirmed, expectations are sky-high. Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) will be stepping into the ring for the third time in 2025, carrying not only his flawless record but also the weight of anticipation from fans and promoters alike.
Moses Itauma’s Journey to the Top
At just 20 years old, Moses Itauma has already achieved what many seasoned professionals dream of. Ranked #1 by the WBO, he has quickly moved from being a hot prospect to a legitimate contender on the cusp of world title opportunities.
His rise hasn’t come without challenges. In August, he faced what many considered the sternest test of his career against Dillian Whyte. Instead of struggling under the bright lights, Itauma thrived, dismantling Whyte in under two minutes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That emphatic performance not only silenced skeptics but also showcased his frightening combination of power, speed, and composure.
It’s also worth noting that 11 of Itauma’s 13 wins have come by knockout—all within the first two rounds. That kind of finishing ability has drawn comparisons to great heavyweights of the past, fueling discussions about whether Itauma could one day dominate the division in the same way legends like Mike Tyson once did.
Struggles to Find an Opponent
As Itauma prepares for his Manchester headliner, one problem has persisted: finding a worthy opponent. His manager, Francis Warren, has been candid about the difficulty in securing a top-tier contender.
According to Warren, both Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic—two highly regarded fighters—were approached with offers but ultimately declined. Warren explained to talkSPORT:
“He’s been offered that fight, Hrgovic. There’s two ways to say you don’t want the fight: you either say you don’t want the fight or you want a trillion pounds for it.”
This highlights a recurring theme in boxing: when a dangerous young contender emerges, many established fighters prefer to avoid the risk. Itauma is clearly already being viewed as a high-risk, low-reward opponent, a status that ironically proves just how much respect he commands within the heavyweight division.
The Significance of Headlining Manchester’s Co-op Live
For British boxing fans, the December 13 event represents more than just another fight card. The Co-op Live arena in Manchester is set to become one of the sport’s premier venues, and having Itauma headline the show is a strong signal from Queensberry Promotions that he is the future face of their heavyweight stable.
It’s also strategically timed just before the holiday season, ensuring high attendance and strong viewership. The event promises to be a festive celebration of British boxing, blending nostalgia with the future. That’s because alongside Itauma’s headline slot, the legendary Derek Chisora will also feature in his 50th—and final—fight.
Derek Chisora’s Farewell: A Passing of the Torch
The December card won’t just be about Moses Itauma. It will also serve as a farewell for Derek “WAR” Chisora, who is set to compete in his 50th professional bout before retiring.
Speaking about his final appearance, Chisora said:
“Let me tell you something. We are going back to Manchester, 13 December, ‘Road to 50’.”
He added, “Opponent will be announced soon. I had one, but the big boss took him and you can’t really argue when the big boss says what he wants, so it happened.”
Chisora’s farewell bout on the same card as Itauma’s headline fight feels symbolic. As one warrior leaves the stage after years of thrilling performances, another enters, poised to take British heavyweight boxing into a new era.
What Makes Moses Itauma Special?
Itauma’s popularity isn’t just about his knockout streak. His combination of traits makes him one of the most unique fighters of his generation:
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Youth and Experience: At only 20, Itauma already has 13 professional fights under his belt. Many heavyweights don’t reach that number until much later in their careers.
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Southpaw Advantage: Being a left-hander in the heavyweight division gives him a tactical edge, forcing opponents to adjust.
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Composure Under Pressure: Despite his age, Itauma fights with the calmness of a veteran, never appearing overwhelmed by the stage or the opponent.
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Explosive Power: With nearly all his knockouts coming in the opening rounds, Itauma is a danger from the first bell.
This combination has made him one of the most marketable young fighters in the world, with pundits predicting a rapid ascent to world title contention.
The Road Ahead: Title Shots and Big Names
As the WBO #1 contender, Itauma is already in line for a world title opportunity. His team has openly discussed the possibility of challenging Oleksandr Usyk if the Ukrainian champion chooses to defend against a mandatory challenger.
However, Itauma himself has been level-headed about the future. While fans and media are eager to rush him into a world title shot, he has consistently said he wants to take his career step by step. The December headliner in Manchester is part of that progression—a fight that will keep him sharp, build his profile, and set up bigger opportunities in 2026.
If Itauma continues his dominant form, fights with names like Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, or even Tyson Fury could be on the horizon. Each of those bouts would carry enormous commercial weight and solidify Itauma’s standing as the new face of heavyweight boxing.
Why Fans Should Be Excited for December 13
The Manchester card is shaping up to be one of the most exciting boxing nights of the year. For fans, it’s not just about one fight—it’s about witnessing history in multiple forms:
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The Rise of a New Star: Moses Itauma headlining a major UK arena shows his transition from prospect to main-event attraction.
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The Farewell of a Legend: Derek Chisora’s 50th and final fight adds emotional weight to the event.
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Pre-Holiday Spectacle: Taking place just before Christmas, the show has all the ingredients of a high-energy, festive fight night.
A Night That Could Shape the Future of Heavyweight Boxing
December 13, 2025, at the Co-op Live in Manchester is not just another boxing event—it’s a crossroads moment for the sport. Moses Itauma has the opportunity to prove he belongs not only among the best but also as the heir to the heavyweight throne.
With his knockout power, undefeated record, and growing fan base, Itauma is already making headlines. But this Manchester showcase could push him into superstardom. At the same time, Derek Chisora’s farewell ensures the night will carry both nostalgia and anticipation, blending the past, present, and future of British boxing into one unforgettable event.
For fans, the message is clear: circle December 13 on the calendar, because this is one fight night you don’t want to miss.
