He’s Undefeated — So Why Is Moses Itauma Considering Two Surprising Names for His Next Fight?

The name Moses Itauma is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about names in modern heavyweight boxing. At just 20 years old, Itauma has built a reputation as a fierce competitor with blistering speed, knockout power, and an unbeaten record. Following his stunning first-round victory over Dillian Whyte, the undefeated British prospect is now preparing for his next step, a December return that could redefine his career path.

Itauma is not only young but also already viewed as a future world title contender. His management and promotional team are carefully weighing his options, knowing the next opponent must provide both a challenge and momentum. Current reports suggest two potential names stand above the rest: David Adeleye and Michael Hunter.

Why the Next Opponent Matters

In the world of heavyweight boxing, matchmaking decisions are critical. For Moses Itauma, this next fight represents more than just another entry on his record. It is a chance to prove his readiness for bigger stages, attract global audiences, and build toward world championship status.

The selection of David Adeleye or Michael Hunter highlights two very different challenges. Adeleye is younger, explosive, and willing to engage. Hunter, on the other hand, is experienced, tactical, and capable of dragging fights into deeper waters. Choosing the right opponent means striking a balance between development and exposure.

Option One: David Adeleye

One of the leading names being discussed is David Adeleye, another British fighter with power and ambition. Adeleye is known for his aggressive style and ability to trade heavy shots. Despite his recent setback against Filip Hrgovic, he remains a dangerous opponent with the tools to test Itauma early.

For Moses Itauma, a clash with Adeleye would serve as an explosive matchup. It would test his ability to manage exchanges, impose his will, and showcase knockout ability under pressure. The narrative is strong: two young British heavyweights meeting in a high-stakes battle. For Adeleye, the fight provides a chance at redemption and relevance, while Itauma gains the opportunity to strengthen his reputation as a devastating force in the division.

Option Two: Michael Hunter

The second option being considered is Michael Hunter, a seasoned American veteran with years of experience at the top level. Hunter has faced dangerous opponents across the division and built a reputation for durability, tactical intelligence, and versatility in the ring.

Fighting Michael Hunter would represent a different type of test for Itauma. Unlike Adeleye, who may engage in wild exchanges, Hunter is skilled at drawing opponents into longer fights where composure and stamina matter most. Itauma would need to demonstrate patience, technical skill, and the ability to adapt round after round. This would be less about raw power and more about proving he can handle a veteran’s ring IQ.

For Hunter, the fight offers a path back into the spotlight. At this stage in his career, a showdown with an undefeated rising star would give him both visibility and potential leverage for future opportunities.

Why Other Fighters Refused

The rise of Moses Itauma has already caused ripples in the heavyweight division. Several names have reportedly declined opportunities to face him. Fighters like Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic are said to have turned down proposals, perhaps seeing Itauma as too high-risk and too low-reward.

Even when offered an IBF eliminator bout against Frank Sanchez, Itauma’s team declined, signaling they are carefully managing his trajectory. Instead of diving into high-risk fights that may stall his career, they are selecting matchups that offer growth, visibility, and progression.

The Strategy Behind Matchmaking

Every fight for Moses Itauma is about strategy. At this stage, every opponent is selected not just for entertainment value but for career development. Facing David Adeleye would highlight power, explosiveness, and ability to dominate early. Facing Michael Hunter would demonstrate maturity, patience, and adaptability against a battle-tested opponent.

These choices underline the balance between ambition and caution. Itauma’s management knows that one wrong step could derail momentum. At the same time, they recognize that fans and critics expect him to prove himself against increasingly tougher competition.

The Business Side of Boxing

In boxing, decisions are not just about styles but also about business. Promoters, broadcasters, and sanctioning bodies all play roles in determining which fights get made. For Moses Itauma, his December return is reportedly being lined up for Manchester, a city with a rich history of hosting high-profile bouts.

Behind the scenes, negotiations involve purse splits, contractual terms, rankings, and venue demands. For a fighter like Itauma, who is still climbing but already in the spotlight, the business side must match the sporting side. His team will not agree to fights that trap him into unfavorable conditions, but they also know he must stay active and keep his momentum alive.

What a Fight With Adeleye Would Mean

If Moses Itauma faces David Adeleye, the fight would be marketed as a battle of youth, aggression, and knockout power. It would generate local interest, bring two British fighters into the ring, and carry heavy promotional value. A dominant win here would cement Itauma’s status as a destructive puncher who can handle domestic rivals.

The risks are clear: Adeleye’s power makes him dangerous, and one mistake could prove costly. However, if Itauma imposes himself early, the fight could end in spectacular fashion and boost his profile as one of boxing’s most dangerous young heavyweights.

What a Fight With Hunter Would Mean

If the fight ends up being against Michael Hunter, the story changes. This would be less about fireworks and more about proving depth and maturity. Hunter’s experience means the fight is likely to go longer, demanding conditioning and strategic adjustments from Itauma.

A strong performance here would prove he is not just a knockout artist but a well-rounded heavyweight capable of adapting to different styles. This would earn him credibility with analysts, fans, and sanctioning bodies worldwide.

Why December Matters

The December timeline is important because activity is everything for a young fighter. Moses Itauma must stay busy, stay visible, and keep winning to maintain momentum. Too much downtime risks cooling the hype. His management understands the urgency, which is why the decision on his next opponent is being treated with such significance.

December also places him in a position to roll into 2026 with strong momentum. If the fight goes as planned, the new year could bring opportunities for higher-ranked opponents, mandatory positions, or even eliminator bouts for major titles.

The Stakes for Itauma’s Future

Every undefeated record is fragile, and for Moses Itauma, the pressure of staying unbeaten grows with each fight. A win in December, whether against Adeleye or Hunter, pushes him further into the conversation of top heavyweights. A loss, however, could slow his rise and give rivals leverage.

This fight is not just about victory but about perception. Dominating Adeleye would brand him as Britain’s most dangerous young heavyweight. Defeating Hunter would show he can hang with veterans and evolve into a complete fighter. Either way, the stakes are enormous.

Building Toward a World Title

The long-term goal for Moses Itauma is obvious: a world heavyweight title. Every step he takes now is measured against that goal. The road to a title is never easy, but careful matchmaking, strong performances, and building a global fan base all accelerate the process.

His youth is an advantage, giving him time to learn and improve. However, it also means he must avoid being rushed into situations that could damage his career before it peaks. That balance—pushing forward while not moving too fast—defines every decision his camp makes.

Momentum Over Hype

What separates Moses Itauma from other rising prospects is that his momentum is built not just on hype but on results. He has already shown the ability to destroy experienced fighters in dominant fashion. Now the task is to continue proving it against higher-level opposition.

Whether he faces David Adeleye or Michael Hunter, the December fight is not simply another night in the ring. It is a milestone, a test, and a message to the heavyweight division that a new contender is ready to climb.