Hard-hitting British heavyweight joins Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom a month after leaving Frank Warren

David Adeleye has inked a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

The former British heavyweight champion, who is 14-2 with 13 KOs in his professional boxing career, is targeting two fights by the end of 2026, with a return expected soon.

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Adeleye left Frank Warren‘s Queensberry Promotions earlier last month after seven years.

His decision not to re-sign with Queensberry prompted a reported deal to fight Guido Vianello — who ended up drawing with Welshman Moses Jolly on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic — to collapse.

The 29-year-old from London is now under the guidance of Hearn and says he ‘cannot wait to get the ball rolling’ as he eyes world honours.

Adeleye wants to become world champion

“This is big news for me,” Adeleye said.

“Why Matchroom? Why not. Matchroom are one of the biggest promotions in the world and they have created many world champions before. 

“I will definitely be adding my name to that list – and what an exciting journey we are going to have ahead. 

“I’m looking forward to fighting all around the world and mixing it with the biggest names. 

“Of course, there were a lot of offers on the table. But, for me, I want to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

“Matchroom is the company that can do that for me. They know boxing, they understand fighters and I feel like the professionalism they have already shown me bodes well for what is to come. 

“I just can’t wait to get started and eventually be holding a world title.”

Hearn: Adeleye a diamond in the rough

Hearn added: “Adeleye has a huge personality and is a real diamond in the rough with a phenomenal punch. 

“I truly believe he has all the tools to go all the way to the top and we are excited to be working with him in his quest to go on and become a future heavyweight champion of the world.”

Adeleye suffered a unanimous decision in his last fight against Hrgovic, who stopped Itauma in a stunning upset this past weekend in London.

The Ladbroke Grove native previously won the British heavyweight title under controversial circumstances by knocking out Jeamie TKV after referee Ron Kearney called for a break.

Adeleye also has wins over Solomon Dacres and Emir Ahmatovic in the last three years.

His first professional loss came in October 2023 at the hands of Fabio Wardley, who is out to reclaim the WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois on October 17 at London’s O2 Arena.

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Adeleye’s first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner is set to be announced in due course.