David Price Warns Moses Itauma Against Deontay Wilder Fight

Former contender urges caution as Itauma targets bigger names following Franklin win

David Price says a fight with Deontay Wilder is the wrong move for Moses Itauma at this stage of his career. The warning comes as Itauma is being guided toward bigger fights after his recent win over Jermaine Franklin.

Itauma’s rise has been fast. The 21-year-old has built a strong early record, and his recent stoppage win over Jermaine Franklin added more attention to his progress. Frank Warren has already said the heavyweight prospect is expected back in July before a possible title move later in 2026.

That has led to discussion about who should face him next. Wilder has publicly shown interest, but Price says that it is a fight to leave alone at this stage because one punch can still change everything in the heavyweight division.

“It is not a great fight for Moses at this stage because he has still got that power,” Price said while discussing the matchup. He also pointed to the fact Itauma has not yet been dragged into deep trouble during his young career.

Price’s warning was less about doubting Itauma’s talent and more about timing. Heavyweights can look dominant until they meet a puncher who asks different questions, and Wilder has built his career on ending fights suddenly, even when being outboxed.

He also noted Itauma was caught at times in his last outing, using that as a reminder that no heavyweight is untouchable once the level rises.

For Itauma’s team, the decision is whether to chase a headline fight now or keep building toward a title shot with lower-risk steps. Wilder would bring attention and danger in equal measure.

That is why Price’s point will land with many fans. Itauma may be the future, but throwing him in with Wilder right now could be a gamble rather than smart progress.

However, Wilder hasn’t shown his former right-hand power in his last two fights. The slapping” form in the Derek Chisora fight on April 4, 2026, was hard to ignore.

It looked like he was throwing wide, looping shots because he couldn’t generate that signature linear torque. If the rumors about his right shoulder are true, and he did admit to having two surgeries recently, it explains why the “Bronze Bomber” has lost that straight-down-the-pipe laser that used to turn lights out instantly.

The version of Wilder we saw squeak past Chisora via split decision wasn’t the same man who decapitated Dominic Breazeale. He’s definitely adapted into more of a windmill style out of necessity, which is exactly why the risk for Itauma has shifted.

Moses Itauma is arguably the fastest heavyweight we’ve seen in years. If Wilder is reduced to slapping and wide hooks, a sharp counter-puncher like Itauma will see those shots coming from a mile away and split the guard with straight lefts.

David Price is right that one punch changes everything, but that rule applies more to a Wilder who can sit on his punches. If his shoulder is compromised, he can’t snap the right hand. He’s still heavy-handed, but it’s a heavy power now rather than explosive power.

The real danger for Itauma is the ugly nature of a veteran like Wilder. As we saw against Chisora, Wilder is willing to make it a messy, grappling affair to survive.

Frank Warren naming Wilder as a potential opponent for July 25th at the O2 is a massive statement. If you’re the Itauma camp, you’re looking at Wilder and seeing a big name with a damaged wing.

If Moses goes in there and smokes a compromised Wilder, he gets the credit for beating a legend without having to face the prime version of that legend. But it’s a different fight entirely if Wilder can’t throw straight. A slapping” Wilder might just be a stepping stone.

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