The 21-year-old heavyweight retains his WBO Intercontinental title with a stunning fifth-round stoppage in Manchester
Category: Sports
Moses Itauma made a statement on March 28, 2026, by becoming the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin, delivering a devastating fifth-round knockout at Co-op Live in Manchester. The 21-year-old heavyweight retained his WBO Intercontinental title and improved his record to an impressive 14-0, with 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Franklin, a rugged American with a record of 24-2 and 15 knockouts, had previously shown remarkable durability, having gone the distance with heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte without ever being knocked down. Itauma's performance, described as a "controlled demolition," showcased his speed, accuracy, and power, marking him as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.
In the opening rounds, Itauma established dominance with quick combinations and precise punches. He utilized sharp right hooks and left-hand shots that kept Franklin on the defensive. By the end of the first round, Franklin had been hurt but managed to stay upright, a feat that would become increasingly difficult as the fight progressed.
The second round saw Itauma continue his onslaught, landing heavy body shots and jabs that left Franklin struggling to respond effectively. By the third round, Itauma's relentless pressure paid off when he dropped Franklin with a powerful right hook, marking the first time Franklin had ever been knocked down in his professional career.
Though Franklin showed resilience and managed to land some shots in the fourth round, it was clear that he was fighting a losing battle. Itauma's superior skill and conditioning were evident as he pushed Franklin back against the ropes.
The fight concluded dramatically in the fifth round. Itauma landed a right hook that wobbled Franklin, followed by a left hand that sent him reeling. A final left uppercut, coupled with a clubbing right hand, left Franklin face-first on the canvas, ending the bout in emphatic fashion. The knockout was hailed as one of the most memorable by a young heavyweight, according to veteran matchmaker Eric Bottjer.
After the fight, Itauma expressed a desire to continue improving, stating, "I tried to knock him out in the first or second round, trying to win a few people some dough, but I just felt like, ‘Ah, maybe not today.’ So I went back to the basics, going down to the body, and then the knockout just came." This approach to boxing, emphasizing fundamentals over brute force, has become a hallmark of Itauma's style.
Promoter Frank Warren was quick to highlight Itauma's potential, indicating that the young heavyweight is on the brink of a world title shot. "He’ll be out again probably in July. It will be a big, big fight. I’m very confident he’ll fight for the world title this year," Warren said. Itauma is currently the number one contender for both Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA title and Fabio Wardley’s WBO title, placing him in a prime position for a future bout.
Interestingly, Itauma did not call out Usyk following his victory, instead expressing interest in a fight with Filip Hrgovic. "I wanted the Hrgovic fight. We’ll see who’s available and I’ll be back out soon," he remarked, signaling his ambition to face top-tier opponents as he climbs the heavyweight ranks.
The significance of Itauma's victory extends beyond his personal achievements. The knockout of Franklin, who had built a reputation for his ability to withstand punches from elite fighters, positions Itauma as a rising star in a heavyweight division that has seen its share of turmoil and shifting allegiances among champions.
Itauma's background adds another layer to his story. Born Enriko Itauma on December 28, 2004, in Kežmarok, Slovakia, he moved to England at the age of four. His family faced challenges, including racism, which shaped his early life and fueled his determination to succeed in boxing. Itauma began boxing at nine years old and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, eventually turning professional in January 2023.
Since turning pro, Itauma's career has unfolded rapidly. He won the vacant WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title in May 2024, followed by a series of impressive victories, including a first-round demolition of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in August 2025. His rapid ascent has drawn comparisons to heavyweight legends, though Itauma himself remains focused on his unique path.
As Itauma prepares for his next fight, the heavyweight division is watching closely. With the WBO heavyweight title currently held by his gymmate Fabio Wardley, and Usyk holding multiple belts, the competition is fierce. Itauma's knockout of Franklin could propel him into the title conversation sooner rather than later.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri has already indicated that he will recommend Itauma be designated as the mandatory challenger in the heavyweight division, which could lead to an official title shot in the near future. This potential development adds urgency to Itauma's career, as he aims to become a world champion and solidify his legacy in boxing.
In a sport where the heavyweight title has long been a symbol of greatness, Moses Itauma is positioning himself to claim that honor. As he continues to develop his skills and face tougher opponents, the question remains not if he will contend for a title, but when. With a knockout percentage above 85 and a growing fan base, Itauma is not just another prospect; he is a fighter to watch in the coming years.