David Adeleye reveals bicep injury after winning Matchroom debut

David Adeleye revealed a bicep injury after beating Alexander Flores on his Matchroom debut, leaving his next steps uncertain following more than a year out of the ring.

The British heavyweight dropped Flores in the third round and won 100-89 on all three scorecards at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on Saturday night.

The victory earned him the WBA International heavyweight title and improved his record to 15-2, with 13 knockouts. It was also his first appearance in the United States.

David Adeleye injury overshadows clear victory

Adeleye disclosed the injury after completing the ten rounds. Yahoo Sports’ report described him fighting through the problem to secure a wide decision.

No recovery timetable has been confirmed.

The injury offers context for a performance that became less aggressive as the fight progressed. CompuBox reported that a right-bicep problem hampered Adeleye during the second half, when he relied more heavily on his jab.

For a fighter returning from a lengthy absence, the immediate question is whether the problem will delay his next outing.

Third-round knockdown puts Adeleye in command

Adeleye’s clearest breakthrough came in the third round, when a stiff jab sent Flores to the canvas.

The Californian recovered to continue, but could not turn the contest around. Adeleye remained in control and took every round on all three judges’ cards.

There was frustration among sections of the crowd as the action slowed. However, the injury provides important context for Adeleye’s reduced output, and Flores was unable to capitalise.

Adeleye did not secure the stoppage that would have made his introduction to an American audience more emphatic. He nevertheless completed ten rounds and left with a clear win.

A winning return after the Hrgovic defeat

This was Adeleye’s first fight since losing to Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia in August 2025.

He joined Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom in September after previously boxing under the Queensberry banner. Saturday’s victory gave that partnership a winning start and put him back in action after a 15-month lay-off.

Our David Adeleye vs Alexander Flores preview has more on the background to his return.

The result gives Adeleye something to build on. How soon he can do that will depend on the extent of the injury.

For more results and upcoming fights, visit our boxing hub.