The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing once again, and it's all thanks to Moses Itauma, the 21-year-old British phenom who continues to electrify fans and pundits alike. On March 28, 2026, inside the packed Manchester Co-op Live Arena, Itauma stepped into the ring against American Jermaine Franklin, a man known for his durability and never having been stopped in his 26-fight career. What unfolded was a night that not only reinforced Itauma’s status as the sport’s next big thing, but also answered some burning questions about his readiness for boxing’s elite.
From the moment the event was announced, anticipation soared. Itauma, riding a nine-fight knockout streak—each ending within the first two rounds—had already turned heads with his rapid demolition of Dillian Whyte in just 61 seconds the previous summer in Riyadh. Despite his meteoric rise, some wondered: could anyone finally push the young star into deep waters? Franklin, 32, seemed the perfect candidate. He had only ever lost on points to Whyte and Anthony Joshua, two of Britain’s most formidable heavyweights, and had a reputation for taking opponents the distance.
As the arena filled with roughly 16,000 fans, excitement reached fever pitch. British rapper Meekz led Itauma’s ring walk, underscoring the sense of occasion. The undercard had already delivered its share of action, but all eyes were firmly fixed on the main event. For Itauma, the night was about more than just another win; it was about proving to himself, his team, and the boxing world that he could handle adversity and answer the questions that still lingered.
"There's still question marks for myself. There's questions that my team want to know about me, there's questions that I want to know about myself and I'm sure there's a lot of questions that the fans want to know about me as well. People are wondering if I've got a chin or if I can go the distance. Jermaine Franklin is known for taking people the distance and giving them tough fights. I feel like this is the final piece of the puzzle. I have a serious opponent in Jermaine Franklin. We've asked for this fight for about a year-and-a-half," Itauma told reporters before the fight.
Franklin, for his part, entered the ring with a chip on his shoulder, feeling overlooked by the British media and fans. “I feel disrespected but it’s part of the game. I’m used to the politics, I’m used to the tricks everybody does and I’m just ready to fight. People are going to feel how they feel. I know what I can do so I’m not too much worried about how people feel or their opinions,” Franklin stated before the opening bell.
From the outset, Itauma displayed the poise and power that have become his trademarks. Working behind a sharp jab and picking his moments with precision, the Chatham native methodically broke down Franklin. In the third round, the American’s famed resilience was tested as Itauma landed a crisp right hand that sent Franklin to the canvas for the first time in the bout. Franklin, ever the warrior, beat the count and survived the round, but the writing was on the wall.
The fourth round saw Franklin land a solid right hand of his own—a moment many had been waiting for. Would Itauma’s chin hold up? With a smile, Itauma absorbed the shot, seemingly unfazed, and pressed forward. His trainer, Ben Davison, could be heard between rounds emphasizing a measured approach: "It's a breakdown job." The plan was clear—wear down Franklin, don’t rush, and let the knockout come naturally.
And come it did. Early in the fifth round, Itauma uncorked a devastating uppercut that landed flush, sending Franklin down and out for the count. The crowd erupted as the referee waved it off, marking the first time in Franklin’s 27-fight career that he had been stopped. Itauma’s record now stood at 14 wins, with 12 stoppages, and an eye-popping 86% knockout rate. The victory was not just another notch on his belt—it was a statement to the division.
"The first two rounds I thought it would go the distance. Then in the fifth round when I caught him with the uppercut, I thought 'did I really do that?'" Itauma reflected in his post-fight interview on BBC Radio 5 Live. The performance was clinical, but also showcased his ability to adapt and execute a game plan against a durable, experienced foe.
Franklin’s defeat was a watershed moment, given his prior resilience against top-level competition. The American had previously only tasted defeat on points against Whyte and Joshua, making Itauma’s stoppage all the more impressive. The result sent a clear message to the rest of the heavyweight division: Moses Itauma is not just hype—he’s the real deal.
The win has only intensified speculation about Itauma’s next move. Promoter Frank Warren was quick to suggest that a world title shot could be on the horizon as soon as July. "He’s in a good position in several rankings for a world title shot," Warren noted. Comparisons to Anthony Joshua’s early career are now inevitable. At a similar stage, Joshua was selling out major arenas and dispatching contenders en route to his first world title. Itauma is following a parallel path, but with arguably tougher opposition along the way.
Yet, questions remain. While Itauma’s power is undeniable, he has still never been taken past six rounds, and his stamina at the championship level is untested. Names like Filip Hrgovic, who recently bested Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, loom as potential future opponents. Domestically, a showdown with Lawrence Okolie or WBO champion Fabio Wardley could also be in the cards, though the latter seems unlikely in the near term given both fighters share trainer Ben Davison.
Itauma himself is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. While he expressed a desire to fight unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk, he acknowledged, "I will sit and wait my turn." For now, the focus remains on steady progression and answering the remaining questions about his endurance and adaptability at the highest level.
For British boxing fans, the rise of Moses Itauma is a thrilling ride. With each fight, he continues to silence doubters and fuel excitement for what’s to come. After a night like this, one thing is certain: the heavyweight division has a new superstar, and his journey is just beginning. The world will be watching closely as Itauma’s march toward glory continues.