Quick Read
- Moses Itauma secured a fifth-round knockout over Jermaine Franklin Jr. in Manchester.
- The victory extends Itauma’s undefeated professional record to 14-0 with 12 knockouts.
- Industry observers view the win as a critical step toward a future world heavyweight title challenge.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma continued his rapid ascent through the division on March 28, 2026, securing a dominant fifth-round knockout victory over American veteran Jermaine Franklin Jr. at the Co-op Live Arena. The win marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old, who successfully dismantled a durable opponent that had previously taken both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte to the scorecards.
A Decisive Step Up in Competition
Entering the ring with a 13-0 record, Itauma faced his most seasoned professional test to date against Franklin, a fighter known for his resilience. Throughout the contest, Itauma utilized his reach and superior hand speed to control the pace, systematically breaking down the American’s defense. The breakthrough came in the third round when a powerful right hook sent Franklin to the canvas. Despite Franklin’s attempts to regain his footing, Itauma’s unrelenting pressure culminated in a devastating sequence in the fifth, where a series of precise combinations left Franklin unable to continue, forcing the referee to intervene.
The Trajectory of a Heavyweight Contender
Itauma’s performance, which improved his professional record to 14-0 with 12 knockouts, has intensified industry speculation regarding a future world title opportunity. As noted by ESPN, the young southpaw has been widely identified as the most promising talent in the heavyweight division, drawing frequent comparisons to the early career of Mike Tyson due to his high knockout ratio and aggressive fighting style. While Itauma has historically relied on early-round stoppages, his ability to navigate into the fifth round against a high-caliber veteran like Franklin demonstrates a maturity in his ring generalship that analysts suggest is essential for championship-level bouts.
Navigating the Path to a Title
The victory provides Itauma with critical momentum as he seeks to transition from prospect to world-class contender. Despite his rapid success, the boxer has maintained a disciplined approach, eschewing the distractions of fame to focus on his development under trainer Ben Davison. With current world titles held by established stars, Itauma’s team is now expected to explore higher-ranked opponents to further validate his standing in the rankings. The win over Franklin serves as a clear signal to the rest of the division that the 21-year-old is prepared to face the sport’s elite, provided he continues his current rate of progression.
By successfully stopping a durable veteran who had previously gone the distance with top-tier opposition, Itauma has effectively bridged the gap between raw prospect and legitimate title challenger, proving that his power is not merely a result of early-round flurries but a sustainable weapon against experienced professionals.