Derek Chisora Reveals the Ideal Next Opponent for Rising Heavyweight Moses Itauma

The heavyweight division is buzzing with rising prospects and seasoned contenders, and one name that continues to draw attention is Moses Itauma. The 20-year-old British-Slovakian powerhouse has made a rapid ascent through the ranks with his combination of raw power, technical skill, and youthful ambition. While his goal of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion may have slipped away, Itauma’s future remains incredibly bright.

Recently, veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora shared his thoughts on who Itauma should face next, and his words sparked a wave of discussion among fans and analysts alike. According to Chisora, there is one opponent in particular who offers the perfect test at this stage of Itauma’s career.

Moses Itauma’s Rapid Rise

In the span of just over a year, Moses Itauma has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in boxing. With a record of 13 wins, 11 knockouts, and nine stoppages inside the first two rounds, his performances have sent shockwaves through the division.

His victory over former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August was the latest statement win. Itauma dismantled the seasoned heavyweight in under two minutes, showing composure, precision, and devastating finishing power. It was the kind of performance that demanded global attention and announced him as a serious force in the sport.

Immediately after that triumph, Itauma boldly called out Oleksandr Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion. While the confidence is admirable, many observers—including Chisora—believe that such a leap would be premature. Instead, the consensus is that Itauma needs a few more fights against experienced operators to continue sharpening his craft.

Derek Chisora’s Advice: The Right Next Step

Derek “War” Chisora, a fan favorite and battle-tested veteran of the heavyweight division, knows exactly what it takes to survive and thrive at the top level. With decades of experience against the best fighters of his era, Chisora’s words carry significant weight.

Speaking to The Sun Sport, Chisora considered several names for Itauma’s next test: Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, Jared Anderson, and Filip Hrgovic were all mentioned. However, he eventually settled on one opponent as the ideal choice—Michael Hunter.

“I’ll tell you what would be a good fight for Moses, I think it would be the best fight—Michael Hunter. That’s a good fight, cause he’s a mover. There is no reward, but he is learning, he’s moving.” – Derek Chisora

Why Michael Hunter?

At 37 years old, Michael Hunter has built a reputation as a durable, skilled, and mobile fighter. A former cruiserweight who moved up to heavyweight, Hunter has faced a variety of opponents and styles. His resume includes:

• A spirited fight against Oleksandr Usyk in 2017 at cruiserweight.

• Two notable draws—against Alexander Povetkin and Jerry Forrest.

• A victory over Martin Bakole in 2018, which established him as a threat in the division.

Hunter has the kind of ring intelligence and mobility that Itauma has yet to face. He is not simply a stationary target—he moves, feints, and forces opponents to think rather than rely solely on power. For a young fighter like Itauma, such a challenge could provide invaluable experience.

While Hunter is not currently at the forefront of the heavyweight title picture, his style and experience make him the kind of “learning fight” that could push Itauma to the next level.

Is Hunter the Perfect Test?

Chisora’s logic makes sense. At this point, Itauma’s power has been undeniable, but his fights have ended so quickly that fans have not yet seen how he handles deeper waters. Facing a crafty, durable opponent like Michael Hunter would allow him to showcase more dimensions of his game.

Hunter’s ability to frustrate bigger fighters with his footwork and timing would test Itauma’s patience, ring IQ, and adaptability. If Itauma were able to break down and defeat Hunter convincingly, it would prove that he is more than just an early-round knockout artist.

Michael Hunter’s Current Status

It is worth noting, however, that Hunter has been somewhat inactive. His last fight came in December 2024, when he stopped the little-known Christian Larrondo Garcia. Since then, he has been linked with a potential fight against Kubrat Pulev for the WBA Regular title after promoter Don King won a purse bid, but concrete updates on that matchup remain scarce.

If Hunter is available, he could represent the perfect stepping stone for Itauma’s progression. If not, Chisora’s other suggestions—such as Jared Anderson or Filip Hrgovic—may come into play, though those would arguably represent more dangerous assignments.

The Bigger Picture for Moses Itauma

What makes Itauma’s journey so fascinating is his age. At just 20, he has time on his side. Unlike many heavyweights who peak later in their careers, Itauma is already competing—and winning—against experienced fighters.

The callout of Oleksandr Usyk shows his confidence and ambition, but boxing is often about timing. Rushing too soon into the deep end could derail his momentum. Instead, carefully chosen opponents like Hunter would allow him to gradually climb the ladder, improving with each fight.

Looking ahead, fights with contenders such as Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, or even Anthony Joshua could await down the line. But for now, the focus is on steady development.

Chisora’s Wisdom and the Role of Veterans

It is not unusual for boxing legends and veterans to offer advice to younger fighters, and Chisora’s input highlights the importance of learning through the right fights. Chisora himself has faced everyone from Tyson Fury to David Haye, Vitali Klitschko, and Joseph Parker—his career is a masterclass in resilience and experience.

By suggesting Hunter, Chisora is essentially advising Itauma to take a fight that won’t necessarily bring immediate glory but will add vital tools to his arsenal. That kind of guidance could prove invaluable as Itauma navigates the tricky path from prospect to contender.

Conclusion: The Fight That Makes Sense

The heavyweight division thrives on stories of young lions challenging established veterans, and Moses Itauma is the latest in that tradition. His explosive rise has captured attention, but the key now is finding the right fights to guide his development.

Derek Chisora’s pick of Michael Hunter may not sound glamorous on paper, but it represents the kind of smart matchmaking that builds champions. Hunter’s style, experience, and movement would force Itauma to grow as a fighter, preparing him for the inevitable world-level showdowns ahead.

For fans, the idea of a young powerhouse like Itauma testing himself against a seasoned technician like Hunter is compelling. If the fight comes together, it could be one of the most intriguing matchups in the near future—and a crucial chapter in Itauma’s journey to heavyweight stardom.