Deontay Wilder Open to Potential Moses Itauma Fight

Former heavyweight champion says he's willing to face any opponent in the division.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight boxing champion, has expressed openness to a potential fight against rising British prospect Moses Itauma. Wilder, who recently defeated Derek Chisora in a split decision, acknowledged that he was initially unfamiliar with Itauma but has since reviewed his performances, including a knockout win over Jermaine Franklin. The 40-year-old American stated that he is not dodging any opponents and is looking forward to fighting any and all challengers, especially if the fans want to see the matchup.

Why it matters

A fight between Wilder and Itauma would be a high-profile clash between a seasoned veteran and one of the division's most promising young talents. It could help define Wilder's next chapter in the sport and provide a significant test for the 21-year-old Itauma as he continues his ascent in the heavyweight ranks.

The details

Wilder returned to winning ways with a split decision victory over Derek Chisora last Saturday. The bout proved to be a demanding contest, with both heavyweights producing strong moments across the distance. Wilder's performance has already sparked discussion about potential next opponents, with Itauma quickly emerging as a potential target. Itauma, a British heavyweight, is widely viewed as a future world champion and one of the division's most promising talents.

  • Wilder defeated Derek Chisora in a split decision last Saturday (April 1, 2026).
  • Itauma recently knocked out Jermaine Franklin in a previous bout.

The players

Deontay Wilder

A former heavyweight boxing champion who recently defeated Derek Chisora in a split decision victory.

Moses Itauma

A rising British heavyweight prospect who is widely viewed as a future world champion and one of the division's most promising talents.

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What they’re saying

“I'm in the heavyweight division, all these other characters are in the heavyweight division, why not? I'm not dodging anyone. I'm a veteran in the game, and I'm looking forward to fighting any and all, especially if the fans want to see it, then why not? Let's see.”

— Deontay Wilder, Former Heavyweight Champion

“If he wins, yeah. But if he loses, what's it like? He's lost to Zhang, and it's not like he's just lost closely, he lost badly. But I'm not hating on him. Do you get what I mean? You gotta kind of weigh up the risk to reward. Like, what you gain out of winning him, or would you lose it out of winning him?”

— Moses Itauma, British Heavyweight Prospect

What’s next

Wilder's comments suggest he is open to the fight, and Itauma has also indicated he would consider the bout depending on the outcome of Wilder's fight against Chisora. If both parties agree, the potential matchup between the veteran Wilder and the rising star Itauma could be a highly anticipated heavyweight clash.

The takeaway

Wilder's willingness to face any challenger, including the promising Itauma, demonstrates his confidence and desire to remain relevant in the heavyweight division. The potential fight would provide a significant test for both fighters, with Wilder looking to solidify his comeback and Itauma seeking to prove himself against an established champion.