The energy inside Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on March 28, 2026, was nothing short of electric as British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma continued his meteoric rise with a thunderous fifth-round knockout of American veteran Jermaine Franklin Jr. The bout, which headlined Queensberry Boxing’s much-anticipated “The Magnificent 7,” was more than just a main event—it was a statement from a 21-year-old prodigy who’s rapidly transforming from promising prospect to genuine world title contender.
Itauma entered the ring with an unblemished record of 13-0, boasting 11 knockouts and a reputation for finishing business early. His last outing was a jaw-dropping first-round demolition of Dillian Whyte in just 119 seconds, a result that sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division and set the stage for his return to home soil. But this time, the challenge was different: Jermaine Franklin, a 32-year-old American with a record of 24-2, including 15 knockouts, and a reputation for durability and grit. Franklin’s only two career losses had come at the hands of Whyte—albeit in a controversial decision in 2022—and former world champion Anthony Joshua in 2023, both by points.
The stakes were high: Itauma’s WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight belts were on the line, and the sold-out crowd in Manchester was buzzing with anticipation. The event was broadcast live to a global audience via DAZN, with viewers tuning in from around the world to see if the young Brit could continue his knockout streak against a seasoned opponent.
From the opening bell, Itauma set a blistering pace. As has become his trademark, he pressed forward with relentless aggression and a high volume of punches. Franklin, for his part, showed remarkable toughness, absorbing significant punishment in the first two rounds while managing to land a couple of sharp counters that briefly checked Itauma’s momentum. But the British southpaw’s movement was slick, and his confidence never wavered.
The turning point came in the third round. Itauma, displaying his impressive hand speed and ring IQ, found an opening and floored Franklin with a massive right hand. The American was clearly rattled but managed to survive the count and make it to the bell. The fourth round saw Franklin attempting to regroup, showing flashes of his own power, but the writing was on the wall. Itauma’s jab kept him at bay, and the crowd sensed the end was near.
Then, in round five, Itauma seized his moment. Setting up with a precise jab, he unleashed a wicked left uppercut that stunned Franklin, followed by a thunderous right hand that sent the American crashing to the canvas. Franklin never made it back to his feet. The referee waved it off, and the Manchester crowd erupted as their hometown hero extended his record to 14-0 with 12 knockouts. "Itauma’s incredible march up the ranks continued," as one report put it, and promoter Frank Warren was quick to heap praise on his young charge.
"Moses will be back in the summer," Warren confirmed after the fight, emphasizing the importance of keeping the young star active following a disrupted 2025 campaign in which Itauma fought only twice due to injury. The promoter didn’t shy away from bold predictions either: "I believe a world title fight is possible this year." It’s a sentiment that’s quickly gaining traction in the boxing world, with many pundits and fans drawing comparisons between Itauma’s ferocious rise and that of Mike Tyson in the 1980s.
Indeed, Itauma’s rapid ascent is turning heads far beyond the UK. Having already fought in London, Glasgow, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he’s building a reputation as a fighter willing to travel and take on challenges wherever they arise. But Saturday night in Manchester marked his first time headlining a major arena at home—and he delivered in style, thrilling a capacity crowd and further cementing his status as Britain’s next heavyweight superstar.
The odds had always favored Itauma, with bookmakers listing him as a massive -2000 favorite and Franklin a +1000 underdog. Even so, Franklin’s experience and resilience made him a credible threat, and some wondered if he could drag the younger man into deep waters. But Itauma’s performance left little doubt about his credentials. Twelve of his fourteen fights have now ended inside the first two rounds, and while Franklin managed to extend him to the fifth, the result was never truly in question once Itauma found his rhythm.
For Franklin, the loss is a setback but not a career-ender. He had entered the contest riding a three-fight win streak, including a victory over Ivan Dychko in September 2025, and he displayed plenty of heart in withstanding Itauma’s early onslaught. Yet, as the rounds wore on, it became increasingly clear that the British phenom’s combination of speed, power, and tactical intelligence was simply too much to handle.
The undercard featured a host of notable bouts, with Gerome Warburton, Willy Hutchinson, Brad Pauls, Liam Davies, Josh Holmes, Michael Gomez Jr, and Nelson Birchall all recording impressive wins in their respective divisions. But it was Itauma’s star turn that stole the headlines and set social media alight with speculation about what—and who—comes next.
One subplot that emerged in the post-fight chatter was Frank Warren’s assertion that reigning unified champion Oleksandr Usyk "doesn’t want" to face Itauma, a claim that’s sure to stir debate among boxing insiders. Whether or not a showdown with Usyk is on the immediate horizon, one thing is clear: Itauma is now firmly in the world title conversation, and the rest of the heavyweight division is on notice.
As the dust settles in Manchester, fans and pundits alike are left to marvel at the rise of a fighter who, at just 21 years old, is already being compared to some of the sport’s all-time greats. With his blend of charisma, skill, and knockout power, Moses Itauma looks set to dominate headlines—and opponents—for years to come. The next chapter in his journey is eagerly awaited, with a possible world title shot looming large on the horizon. For now, though, the night belongs to Itauma and the Manchester faithful who witnessed another unforgettable moment in British boxing history.