Boxing Expert Bunce Dismisses Usyk-Itauma Talk as Franklin Test Looms for Rising Heavyweight

Respected boxing analyst Steve Bunce has delivered a sobering reality check regarding Moses Itauma's championship aspirations, dismissing speculation about potential fights with elite heavyweights as premature despite the 21-year-old's considerable promise.

While acknowledging Itauma's potential to dominate the heavyweight division in the future, Bunce characterized current discussions about matchups with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk or British title holder Fabio Wardley as "ridiculous conversation" given the prospect's current development stage.

The assessment comes as Itauma prepares for Saturday's crucial test against experienced American Jermaine Franklin, a bout Bunce describes as "perfect matchmaking" that will provide genuine insight into the young heavyweight's championship credentials.

"What is there in Itauma's 13 wins that could lead anybody to think that as of today, he could fight any of the top guys?" Bunce questioned, emphasizing the gap between potential and proven ability at elite level. "In the future, he might knock them all out. But right now, and where he is at in his career, he is not ready."

Itauma's professional journey has featured significant improvement since early career struggles that saw him go the distance with relatively unknown opponents Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and Kevin Nicolas Espindola less than two years ago. Those performances highlighted areas requiring development before elite-level consideration.

However, the southpaw has demonstrated marked progression in finishing ability and overall sharpness when facing experienced opposition. His recent dominant performance against former world title challenger Dillian Whyte represented a significant statement, showcasing improved power and ring intelligence against proven heavyweight competition.

Bunce praised Itauma's measured approach to the mounting hype surrounding his career, noting that the young fighter avoids buying into external expectations while maintaining realistic assessment of his current abilities.

"The good thing is the kid doesn't buy into all of it. He just gets on with business," Bunce observed. "He doesn't buy into the hype and he knows how good he is."

The early comparisons to Mike Tyson, particularly regarding the youngest heavyweight champion record, created unnecessary pressure that Itauma ultimately found relieving when the timeline became unrealistic. The experience demonstrated maturity in handling external expectations that often derail promising prospects.

Franklin presents an ideal measuring stick for Itauma's current standing within the heavyweight hierarchy. The 32-year-old American brings legitimate credentials, with his only professional defeats coming via decision against elite competition including Anthony Joshua and a superior version of Dillian Whyte than the fighter Itauma recently faced.

Franklin's recent knockout victory over previously unbeaten Ivan Dychko (15-0) demonstrates continued relevance at heavyweight level, making Saturday's encounter a genuine examination of Itauma's readiness for top-tier competition.

"If Itauma beats him on points, that would be phenomenal," Bunce noted. "But if Itauma stops him, that would be one of the finest wins of his career so far – and exactly what he needs."

Bunce emphasized that several crucial questions remain unanswered regarding Itauma's championship readiness. The young heavyweight's response to sustained pressure, ability to recover from adversity, and performance in later rounds when fatigue becomes a factor require testing against experienced opposition.

"We don't know what happens if he's under pressure. We don't know what happens when a guy doesn't fall over the first time he clips them," Bunce explained. "And we don't know what happens in round six or seven – or if he's cut, or if he gets hurt and stunned."

The promotional strategy surrounding Itauma has differed significantly from typical heavyweight development, with aggressive marketing and elevated expectations creating both opportunities and potential pitfalls that require careful navigation.

Bunce suggested that following the Franklin encounter, Itauma would benefit from additional tests against experienced, durable opponents like Jarrell Miller before revisiting discussions about championship-level competition.

"Then another big test like that – another big, old, solid guy. Someone who won't fold in a round or two," Bunce recommended. "And then we can have another conversation about whether or not he's ready for the likes of Wardley."

The measured approach advocated by Bunce reflects boxing's harsh realities where premature elevation often results in career-damaging defeats that stunt promising development. Itauma's talent appears genuine, but proper seasoning remains essential for championship success.