The rise of Moses Itauma has been so swift and so violent that boxing fans are already scouring the heavyweight rankings for his next victim. But according to veteran broadcaster and journalist Steve Bunce, the rush to throw the teenager in with the world’s elite names is becoming a dangerous exercise in fantasy matchmaking.
Itauma, who has barely spent any time in the ring across his professional career due to a string of early knockouts, has long been touted as the future of the division. However, Bunce believes that suggestions of a clash with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk or even a domestic blockbuster against British champion Fabio Wardley are premature to the point of absurdity.
Tempering expectations for a teenage phenom
It is easy to see why the hype has spiraled. Itauma possesses a rare combination of southpaw slickness and terrifying hand speed, often ending fights before the television audience has settled into their seats. But professional boxing is built on more than just physical prowess; it requires the seasoning that only comes from rounds in the bank and surviving “deep water” moments.
Bunce has been vocal about the need for patience. He argues that discussing Itauma in the same breath as Usyk—a man with two Olympic cycles and multiple world titles across two weight classes—is a disservice to the craft of boxing. While the 19-year-old has decimated the opposition put in front of him, none of those opponents have offered the stylistic puzzles presented by the division’s top five.
The comparison to Fabio Wardley is perhaps more grounded in geographical reality, but Bunce views it as equally flawed for the present moment. Wardley has proved himself a hardened professional, most notably through his recent wars with Frazer Clarke. Sending a teenager into that kind of physical furnace before he has even gone ten rounds is, in Bunce’s view, a “ridiculous conversation.”
The danger of moving too fast
History is littered with heavyweight prospects who were moved too quickly and suffered the consequences. The heavyweight landscape is currently in a state of high-stakes transition. With Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury entering formal talks for a clash that has been years in the making, the path for the next generation is both clear and treacherous.
Boxing is a business of timing. If Itauma is as good as his supporters believe, there is no need to rush. At 19, he has a decade of development ahead of him before he even reaches the typical prime of a heavyweight. Forcing a fight with a defensive master like Usyk today would likely result in a boxing lesson that could stunt a young fighter’s confidence permanently.
And while Sky Sports and other broadcasters are desperate for fresh domestic rivalries to headline their 2026 cards, the consensus among traditionalists is that Itauma needs “teaching” fights—opponents who can take his punch, move him around, and force him to think through 24 or 30 minutes of action.
A domestic landscape in flux
The British heavyweight scene is currently one of the deepest in the world. Between Wardley, Clarke, and the chasing pack of continental titleholders, there are plenty of intermediate steps for Itauma to take before he eyes the world champions. The issue, as Bunce points out, is that the public and the promoters often lose sight of the development curve when they see a “one-man wrecking ball” in action.
But boxing isn’t just about who hits the hardest. It’s about who can take a shot when they’re tired in the ninth round or how a fighter reacts when their best punches don’t end the night early. Itauma hasn’t had to answer those questions yet. Until he does, the “ridiculous” labels will likely persist from those who value the apprenticeship of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moses Itauma ready for a world title shot?
According to most experts, including Steve Bunce, not yet. While he has immense talent, he lacks the experience and the rounds needed to compete with seasoned operators like Usyk or the durability required for a domestic war with someone like Wardley.
Who should Moses Itauma fight next?
The logical step is a veteran gatekeeper or a fringe top-15 opponent who can extend him. The goal for his camp will be to find someone who can survive the first four rounds and force the youngster to work through different phases of a fight.
Why is Steve Bunce being so cautious?
Bunce has seen decades of prospects come and go. His caution stems from a desire to see a generational talent like Itauma reach his full potential rather than being “burnt out” or exposed too early against world-class opposition who have far more experience.
