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Following Daniel Dubois’ stunning knockout victory over Fabio Wardley, fans are already speculating about a potential first defense of his WBO heavyweight world title against 21-year-old Moses Itauma. However, former British champion David Price has explained why he believes promoter Frank Warren should hold off on that matchup for the time being.
Dubois was floored twice in the opening three rounds and appeared headed for a fourth stoppage loss of his career. But he gritted his teeth, battled through adversity, and secured an eleventh-round stoppage to become a two-time heavyweight champion.
Now, fellow Queensberry fighter Itauma is being lined up as his mandatory challenger, setting the stage for another all-British heavyweight title clash. Yet Price, speaking to *Seconds Out*, argued that both Warren and the fans need to be patient with that potential fight, insisting Itauma isn’t ready for such a tough test at this stage of his career.
“I don’t think it will happen, because Frank Warren promotes both of them, and rightly so, it won’t happen for a long time,” Price said. “Dubois is 28, Itauma is 21. That fight won’t happen until it’s worth what Fury vs. Joshua is now, or close to that. So they’re not going to do that just yet.
“From my perspective, I would keep Moses Itauma away from Daniel Dubois right now. I don’t think he’s ready for him yet. Look at Dubois’ résumé — who he’s beaten, who he’s lost to, what he’s experienced. Moses Itauma doesn’t need to face someone like that just yet.
“It will happen, and when it does, it will be much bigger than it is now. But we need to be patient.”
Itauma is set to headline the O2 Arena on August 8 before making his US debut later in 2026.
