Rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport. At only 20 years old, Itauma boasts an impressive record of 13-0 with 11 knockouts, placing him among the fastest-rising prospects in world boxing. His most recent victory over Dillian Whyte in August added fuel to the hype surrounding his career.

Now, all eyes turn to his next scheduled fight on December 13 in Manchester. But there is one problem: finding him an opponent willing to step inside the ring. According to reports, two possible names are currently being discussed—Michael Hunter and David Adeleye.

The Challenge of Securing an Opponent

For a fighter like Itauma, who combines youth, power, and relentless pressure, finding opponents can be more complicated than it seems. Promoters often struggle to match fast-rising stars with opponents who are both credible and willing.

While bigger names such as Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang were initially considered, negotiations fell through. Both men are top contenders in the heavyweight division, but for various reasons—including scheduling, financial demands, and risk factors—neither materialized as opponents for December.

This has left Itauma’s team exploring alternatives, with Michael Hunter and David Adeleye emerging as frontrunners.

Who Is Michael Hunter?

Michael Hunter is a seasoned American heavyweight known for his technical skills, durability, and ability to test top-tier fighters. At 35 years old, Hunter has faced several big names in the division and has built a reputation as a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Hunter was last seen in December of the previous year when he scored a fifth-round stoppage over Christian Larrondo Garcia. Though he has not fought in 2024, his experience and track record make him a respectable option for Itauma’s next step.

Hunter’s résumé includes competitive bouts with Alexander Povetkin and Oleksandr Usyk earlier in his career, making him one of the few heavyweights with experience against truly elite opponents.

Facing Hunter would provide Itauma with:

A test against a technical veteran.

A chance to prove himself against someone with experience at world level.

An opportunity to bank valuable rounds, as Hunter is known for his toughness.

Who Is David Adeleye?

The other name in the conversation is David Adeleye, a British heavyweight who has been on the radar for several years. Adeleye, however, suffered a setback earlier this summer when he lost by unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic.

Despite that loss, Adeleye remains a popular figure in UK boxing. He brings domestic interest, competitive spirit, and the kind of fight that would draw significant attention in Manchester.

Adeleye’s style is more aggressive and less polished than Hunter’s, but that could make for an exciting clash with Itauma. For fans, the prospect of two young British heavyweights colliding in front of a home crowd offers plenty of intrigue.

Itauma’s Position in the Rankings

Moses Itauma is already highly ranked across the major sanctioning bodies:

No. 9 by The Ring.

No. 1 with both the WBA and WBO.

No. 4 with the WBC.

No. 5 with the IBF.

These rankings reflect just how rapidly Itauma has risen in the heavyweight division. With a string of knockout wins and a dominant victory over Whyte, he has positioned himself just a few fights away from a potential world title opportunity.

The August Statement: Beating Dillian Whyte

When Itauma faced Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Riyadh, many considered it his first true litmus test. Instead, Itauma dismantled the former world title challenger in under two minutes.

That performance raised two questions:

Is Itauma ready for world-level opposition right now?

Will other heavyweights be too cautious to face him?

His power and composure under the spotlight were impressive, but the fight ended so quickly that it left observers wondering how he would cope with a longer, more grueling contest against a durable opponent.

Why Hunter and Adeleye Make Sense

For Itauma’s promoters, the task is clear: find opponents who are credible but not career-stalling. Both Hunter and Adeleye tick important boxes.

Hunter brings experience, toughness, and the ability to extend Itauma into deeper rounds.

Adeleye brings a domestic rivalry and fan interest in the UK market.

Neither fight guarantees an easy night for Itauma, but both offer valuable experience as he builds toward a world title shot.

The Bigger Picture: Path to a World Title

With Itauma’s high rankings, a world title fight seems inevitable within the next 12 months. A major factor is the status of the heavyweight belts, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. Should Usyk or The Ring titleholder vacate one or more of their belts, Itauma could be in line to fight for a full version of a championship.

One possibility is a future clash with the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, who will fight on October 25 in London for the WBO and WBA “interim” belts. That winner could become a direct target for Itauma in 2026.

December 13 in Manchester: What’s at Stake

The December 13 Manchester fight is more than just another date on the calendar—it’s a critical moment for Moses Itauma. A strong showing against a name like Hunter or Adeleye could:

Cement his reputation as a future world champion.

Increase his bargaining power for bigger fights in 2025.

Provide valuable experience that he has lacked due to rapid knockouts.

Fans and promoters alike will be watching closely to see who steps into the ring with him and how Itauma responds under the spotlight once again.

The Risk Factor for Opponents

One of the biggest challenges for Itauma’s camp is the reluctance of other fighters. After his brutal first-round knockout of Whyte, many heavyweights see Itauma as high risk with limited reward. Losing to a 20-year-old rising star could derail a veteran’s career, while victory might still not guarantee a title shot.

This dynamic often leaves prospects like Itauma in a difficult position, where finding the right fights requires careful negotiation and compromise.

Building a Legacy Early

Moses Itauma’s journey is not just about winning fights—it’s about building a legacy in the heavyweight division. At such a young age, every step forward has to balance immediate success with long-term growth.

Promoter Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions have made it clear they want to develop Itauma steadily but also seize opportunities as they arise. Whether it’s Hunter, Adeleye, or another opponent, December’s fight will be another chapter in his unfolding story.

Who Will Step Up on December 13?

As the countdown to December 13 in Manchester begins, the boxing world waits to see who will face Moses Itauma next. Michael Hunter offers experience and durability, while David Adeleye provides local rivalry and excitement. Both options carry intrigue, and both would test Itauma in different ways.

What remains clear is that Itauma is no longer just a prospect—he is already ranked among the elite heavyweights, with a world title shot on the horizon. Every fight matters, and the right opponent on December 13 could set the stage for a defining 2025 and beyond.

Whether it is Hunter, Adeleye, or another challenger, the spotlight will be firmly on Moses Itauma as he continues his meteoric rise in the heavyweight division.