Chisora says no to fight with Itauma: 'I’m not that stupid'

Veteran British heavyweight Derek Chisora has said he will not fight rising star Moses Itauma. He made it clear by saying, “I’m not that stupid.”

The 42-year-old spoke during the boxing show, Fight Your Corner. He explained why he does not want to face the 21-year-old, who many believe is on his way to a world title, even after losing for the first time last month.

“Nobody gets better. I’m not going to get in there with Moses (Itauma), am I? Definitely not with Moses. Keep your money, Frank, I don’t want it,” Chisora told his promoter, Frank Warren.

Chisora last fought in April 2026, losing to American Deontay Wilder in a 12-round match. Before that, he won against Otto Wallin in February 2025. His career record is 36 wins, with 23 coming by knockout, and 14 losses.

Itauma, who was born in Slovakia and grew up in Chatham, Kent, has a professional record of 14 wins, with 12 by knockout, and one loss. He is also promoted by Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and trains with Ben Davison.

Itauma's only defeat happened on August 29. He was stopped in the ninth round by Filip Hrgovic while trying for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena in London.

Itauma knocked Hrgovic down in the second round and did well for much of the fight. However, he started to tire badly from the eighth round, which led to his corner throwing in the towel.

After the fight, Itauma shared a video on Instagram on August 30. He said he is not discouraged by the loss. “So Saturday was not my night. We attempted greatness, and we just fell short to the more experienced man. I want to say congratulations to Filip Hrgovic on his win, and although I never reached my desired outcome, I believe I gained experience that I will take to my future fights,” he said.

Hrgovic praised Itauma after their fight. He called him the best fighter he has faced but noted that Itauma needs more experience. “He is the best fighter I have been in with, but he needs more experience; he gassed out. I knew from the first round that he would gas out and then I would push, and that is what I did,” said the 34-year-old.

Warren mentioned that Itauma got a leg injury during the fight. He said Itauma needs to work on his skills before his next fight. Still, he believes Itauma will be one of the most talented heavyweights in the division. Hrgovic also said Itauma could become a world champion in the future if he learns to pace himself better.