Manchester: British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma delivered another emphatic statement by becoming the first fighter to stop durable American Jermaine Franklin, sealing a devastating fifth-round knockout in Manchester.
Franklin had previously gone the distance with former world title contenders Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but he could not withstand Itauma’s power and precision at the sold-out Co-op Live Arena.
The 21-year-old southpaw dropped Franklin in the third round before ending matters midway through the fifth with a punishing left uppercut followed by a crushing right hand that sent the American face-first to the canvas.
Referee Steve Gray immediately waved off the contest as Itauma celebrated with the crowd, extending his unbeaten record to 14-0 and intensifying calls for a world title opportunity. Itauma later described Franklin as the “final piece of the puzzle” before challenging for the sport’s biggest honours.
Despite showing resilience — even sticking out his tongue after absorbing heavy shots — Franklin was gradually overwhelmed by Itauma’s superior speed, footwork and ringcraft. An eight-count in the third round proved a warning sign before the decisive finish arrived two rounds later.
Promoter Frank Warren suggested one more tune-up fight could precede a title bid later this year. With the heavyweight belts currently shared between Oleksandr Usyk and Fabio Wardley, Itauma’s rapid rise now places him firmly in contention for a shot at global glory in 2026.
Source: The Guardian, BBC
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