Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026

[KiwiRider]

Decent card so far

It is!
Why they couldn't do that for the Itauma Whyte card that was PPV I don't know.

[gilgamesh]

You think this one won't be a PPV? I'm pretty sure any fight there's the slightest buzz about is PPV now.

[goose 5]

Horrible mismatch. Itauma bombs him out before round 2 is over, at the latest.

[KiwiRider]

You think this one won't be a PPV? I'm pretty sure any fight there's the slightest buzz about is PPV now.

Yeah, how naive of me.
Of course
I mean, there are three fights I want to see on it, maybe 4- so that's good at least.

[gregregegg]

I wonder what Franklin is getting paid?

To be fair, he is coming off a 10 rounder not that long ago, and had a fulllll camp. And is only 32. There is no reason a pretty fit 240lb Franklin can’t turn up. So cash aside Should be plenty motivated, if he won he would be very highly ranked in 2 or 3 governing body’s and online for a huge payday.

Feels unlikely… but who knows if he drags Moses deep.

And for everyone that just thinks him dragging Moses deep is legitimately impossible… just look back on some early jah Anderson or berlanga… KOs are as much about matchmaking and stoppages as they are about legit power..:

Ultimently I think Moses will win by ko and fairly early rounds… but I also feel it may be a brittish stoppage which would be a huge shame…

[Ruthless-RKO]

The Approach

Itauma’s approach will be centered on his superior speed, longer reach, and accuracy. Itauma will look to employ his jab to maintain distance, range, and disrupt Franklin’s forward movement. His goal will be to utilize his lateral movement to avoid the ropes and set up his straight left hand (as he is a southpaw) or powerful right hook.

Franklin’s best path to victory lies in his durability, high work rate, and forward pressure. Franklin must disregard Itauma’s power and treat the initial rounds as an investment. Franklin will look to clinch frequently and use his physical strength to lean on the younger fighter. Franklin may use short hooks and uppercuts to the body and head, avoiding the long-range power that Itauma favors. If Franklin can drag the fight past the middle rounds, he can capitalize on Itauma’s relative inexperience in deep waters.

[Manchester Hitman]

Good card to start the year. Franklin as everybody has said, will bring a good chin to the ring and should at the very least be able to get 5-6 rounds out of Itauma. He probably won’t be able to offer much offensively, but I don’t want to be overly critical, as im one of those who thinks they should take their time with Moses.

[stujones]

I can see this becoming a potential punch bag assignment - Franklin could go into survival mode.

But its not bad, he is hard to match. I think there are not many with a decent chin and perhaps with enough ambition to try and win. Infact outside of those really knocking on the door of a world title fight (so taking the likes of Chisora, Wardley, Kabayel, Ejaba - out of it)- in the top 30 or so, the only ones I could think of are Franklin, Joyce, and maybe Hunter (although I question his ambition now). Don't think Hirjorvic and Huni will guarantee rounds - even though probably more testing.

[Kilburn]

Joshua didn’t just struggle with Franklin’s toughness, it was the work rate too. AJ could do nothing to get his respect.

I’m not anticipating a stoppage win for Moses here, but if he does pull it off (legitimately) it’s a massive result indeed.

No complaints for this one.

[JamesPhilips]

I have no problem with the fight especially for Moses development…. The bookies have Franklin as long as 11-1 however

[TBA]

It's a good fight. While Franklin isn't as good as he was when he faced Joshua, he isn't as far gone as Whyte was.

Referee will absolutely stop it at the first opportunity he can as is the norm in a British ring of late

So I think the most we can hope for, or beneficial is that Franklin comes motivated and gives Moises a couple of licks and 6+ rounds of experience.

[Cyclops]

I can see this becoming a potential punch bag assignment - Franklin could go into survival mode.

But its not bad, he is hard to match. I think there are not many with a decent chin and perhaps with enough ambition to try and win. Infact outside of those really knocking on the door of a world title fight (so taking the likes of Chisora, Wardley, Kabayel, Ejaba - out of it)- in the top 30 or so, the only ones I could think of are Franklin, Joyce, and maybe Hunter (although I question his ambition now). Don't think Hirjorvic and Huni will guarantee rounds - even though probably more testing.

Of course Hrgovic will give him rounds. Only Zhang has put him down, and Zhang puts everybody down. Huni is also very skilled and I doubt would be blown away. Both are good fights, especially is Moses isn't the 2nd coming he's being hyped up as.

[joshj909]

I can see this becoming a potential punch bag assignment - Franklin could go into survival mode.

But its not bad, he is hard to match. I think there are not many with a decent chin and perhaps with enough ambition to try and win. Infact outside of those really knocking on the door of a world title fight (so taking the likes of Chisora, Wardley, Kabayel, Ejaba - out of it)- in the top 30 or so, the only ones I could think of are Franklin, Joyce, and maybe Hunter (although I question his ambition now). Don't think Hirjorvic and Huni will guarantee rounds - even though probably more testing.

Of course Hrgovic will give him rounds. Only Zhang has put him down, and Zhang puts everybody down. Huni is also very skilled and I doubt would be blown away. Both are good fights, especially is Moses isn't the 2nd coming he's being hyped up as.

Itauma isn't even guaranteed to win those fights. He might be favourite but you absolutely wouldn't count the other one winning

[gregregegg]

Hrg after Franklin would be perfect.

Needs a durable but not dangerouse guy befor he fights a durable and a bit dangerouse guy.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ahead of Jermaine Franklin fight, Moses Itauma is one-step from fighting for a world title

Moses Itauma has promised to answer his critics when he takes on Jermaine Franklin on January 24 in Manchester, England.

The 20 year old contender has taken the heavyweight division by storm and picked up his most high-profile win yet with a first-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in August — a fighter Franklin was narrowly beaten by via decision in 2022. The 24-2 (15 KOs) Franklin is seen as a heavyweight who will finally give the young Itauma rounds. The American is yet to be stopped in his professional career, with his two defeats coming to Whyte and Anthony Joshua over 12 rounds.

Although few give Franklin a chance to defeat the 13-0 (11 KOs) Itauma, he is certainly not crossing the pond to give the youngster rounds.

“I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior, and I’m gonna show the fans that,” said Franklin. “Be prepared. I’m a little awkward. I’m a huge danger factor.

“As a fighter, we all got the highest confidence in ourselves. It’s not going to be easy. He’s going to have to work for it. I’m not them. I’m Jermaine Franklin and I’m not lying down for no one.”

The question over the young Itauma’s head is how will he fare against the top heavyweights in the later rounds. Itauma believes he will answer that question against Franklin — if it gets there.

“Jermaine Franklin is a great fighter, just come off a great win with Ivan Dychko. The reason why people think this is a good fight is because of what he does well, there’s still question marks over me. So, I can finally shut a few people up [with this fight].

“It might not get there [the later rounds] and if it does get there then those questions are finally answered.”

Promoter allegedly believes this is the final step for Itauma before he is let off the leash against the biggest names in the division.

“If he wins this, I believe he will go on to fight for a world title,” said Warren.

Itauma is rated No. 1 by the WBO and WBA, No. 4 with the WBC and he is the IBF’s No. 12 ranked heavyweight. Oleksandr Usyk, of course, is the undisputed heavyweight champion.

[joshj909]

A WBA Regular World Title as that's the title they're appealing to get mandated for Itauma to face a 44 year old. Embarrassing from Warren

[Ruthless-RKO]

Presser

[KiwiRider]

A WBA Regular World Title as that's the title they're appealing to get mandated for Itauma to face a 44 year old. Embarrassing from Warren

Totally.
We haven't forgotten the "Youngest world champion" talk. And another year goes by and they are lining him up for a grampa bash.
Very disappointed.

[Cyclops]

Presser

Moses looks enormous compared to Franklin in the face off.

[joshj909]

Presser

Moses looks enormous compared to Franklin in the face off.

Moses looks bigger every time I see him in a fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

JERMAINE FRANKLIN ON MOSES ITAUMA FIGHT: 'I'LL DIE FOR THIS, NOT LYING DOWN FOR ANYBODY'

Moses Itauma appears to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division.

Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) looks like he has all the tools to become a top champion. With his skills being lauded, many believe he’ll walk through Jermaine Franklin on January 24 at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Over his last few fights, the 20-year-old has wrecked the competition. Still, even with Itauma stopping Mike Balogun and Dillian Whyte earlier this year, and despite the odds being stacked against him, Franklin won’t go out without a fight.

“I’m Jermaine Franklin, a warrior inside and out,” Franklin said during their recent press conference. “I’ll die for this. He’ll have to do the job. I’m not lying down for anybody.”

Franklin’s confidence isn’t coming from thin air. Following back-to-back losses to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, the 32-year-old contender has won three straight.

Those victories, however, haven’t changed the overarching mood of those in boxing circles. Simply put, Itauma is viewed as too young, too fast, too strong, and too good. With that said, Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) doesn’t take offense to any of it. The Michigan native knows what he brings to the table and can’t wait to show what he’s got.

“It’s fuel to the fire,” Franklin said when asked if the doubters give him extra motivation. “I’ve been proving people wrong my whole life. I bring a lot of danger. I’m a little awkward and can do stuff from different positions. That’s hard to adjust to. I’m a huge danger in the fight.”

Itauma has yet to be pushed to the edge and is struggling to bank professional rounds.

So what happens when Itauma gets pushed to the limit?

Although that question hasn’t been answered, Franklin plans on putting his man in a position where he’ll be forced to deal with it.

“I’ll test everything in this fight,” Franklin continued. “Nothing's easy. He’s gonna have to work for it. I’m coming to fight and I’m a warrior. I’m a be able to get stuff off. So I know I will be able to test it.”

[gregregegg]

Watching Franklin vs AJ highlights, forgot Franklin isn’t a 5”6 pudding (what he looked like vs Dychco…) , he can in fact be a 6”3 240lb athlete… basically the same size as Moses…

[stujones]

I can see this becoming a potential punch bag assignment - Franklin could go into survival mode.

But its not bad, he is hard to match. I think there are not many with a decent chin and perhaps with enough ambition to try and win. Infact outside of those really knocking on the door of a world title fight (so taking the likes of Chisora, Wardley, Kabayel, Ejaba - out of it)- in the top 30 or so, the only ones I could think of are Franklin, Joyce, and maybe Hunter (although I question his ambition now). Don't think Hirjorvic and Huni will guarantee rounds - even though probably more testing.

Of course Hrgovic will give him rounds. Only Zhang has put him down, and Zhang puts everybody down. Huni is also very skilled and I doubt would be blown away. Both are good fights, especially is Moses isn't the 2nd coming he's being hyped up as.

Itauma isn't even guaranteed to win those fights. He might be favourite but you absolutely wouldn't count the other one winning

Hrgovic was hurt by DDD and both Joe Joyce and Adeleye had moments against him. With the greatest of respect i think a young, fresh Itauma holds more than the later two these days.

Huni not really tested in a bridging fight between Wadley and some of the guys he has fought. So it is challenging to judge his level etc.

As I said, these two will very possibly test Itauma more than Franklin - can I be as confident they have a better chin than Franklin? Franklin wasn't even hurt (I cannot remember) in either the Whyte or Joshua fights.

[joshj909]

Of course Hrgovic will give him rounds. Only Zhang has put him down, and Zhang puts everybody down. Huni is also very skilled and I doubt would be blown away. Both are good fights, especially is Moses isn't the 2nd coming he's being hyped up as.

Itauma isn't even guaranteed to win those fights. He might be favourite but you absolutely wouldn't count the other one winning

Hrgovic was hurt by DDD and both Joe Joyce and Adeleye had moments against him. With the greatest of respect i think a young, fresh Itauma holds more than the later two these days.

Huni not really tested in a bridging fight between Wadley and some of the guys he has fought. So it is challenging to judge his level etc.

As I said, these two will very possibly test Itauma more than Franklin - can I be as confident they have a better chin than Franklin? Franklin wasn't even hurt (I cannot remember) in either the Whyte or Joshua fights.

With Hunk, it's not his chin, it's that attack can offer a form of defence. With Hrgovic it's that he's a durable veteran with good recovery that might be able to make things difficult for Itauma. They're both better than anything Itauma has come up against by quite a bit so it's no guarantee that Itauma walks through them and if the questions they can ask cannot be answered then they could win it. I wouldn't bet on them winning but at the moment. Itauma is hype and most hype trains get halted at some point. He may be the real deal but many boxers are thought to be the real deal until someone asks them questions they don't know how to answer.