David Adeleye has a new promotional home after signing a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. Matchroom announced the move on September 3, 2026, adding another British heavyweight to the same stable that recently saw Andy Ruiz Jr. return under the Matchroom banner.
Adeleye, 29, is listed at 14-2 with 13 knockouts. Matchroom said the former British heavyweight champion is targeting two fights before the end of the year, with his debut under the promotion still to be announced.
Heavy Duty Big D @DavidAdeleye is the latest addition to the @MatchroomBoxing team. Some big fights to be made.
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 3, 2026
Adeleye framed the move as a world-title play rather than a reset after his run with Queensberry Promotions.
“This is big news for me,” Adeleye said.
“I have signed a multi-fight deal with the plan to get out twice this year, so I cannot wait to get the ball rolling.”
“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.”
Adeleye Wants A World-Title Route With Matchroom
The heavyweight lane has moved quickly around Matchroom this year. Ruiz returns against Damian Knyba on Friday in Newark, while the wider division is still absorbing Filip Hrgovic stopping Moses Itauma for the IBF title and the continued uncertainty around Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Adeleye said the offers were there, but Matchroom gave him the route he wanted.
“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 leaned into Adeleye’s profile and punching power in the announcement.
“Welcome to the team, David. We’re going to have a lot of fun working together.”
“He has a huge personality. He 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 last fought Filip Hrgovic and previously held the British heavyweight title. For Matchroom, the appeal is obvious: another name in the domestic heavyweight mix while Ruiz begins his own comeback against Knyba after Ruiz weighed in at his lightest listed mark in years.
