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Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Moses Itauma lifts lid on biceps tear that forced Franklin delay
The 21-year-old has not put a foot wrong over the course of the first three years of his professional career, racking up 13 straight wins with 11 inside the distance.
He was supposed to usher in his fourth year by facing durable Franklin at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on January 24 but was forced to withdraw after he was injured during sparring.
However, the southpaw puncher has now revealed he did his best to push through the pain and did not fully understand the severity of the problem until an ultimatum from his promoter allegedly.
“When I first did it I was just trying to push through it, not realising what I had done,” Itauma said.
“I had a sparring session and that's when I'd done it. I said to Frank that I've done this, I've done that, and X, Y, Z, and then he told me to go get a scan. I was like 'no, I'll be alright, I'll be alright.'"
“I was trying my best to kind of recover a tear because I thought it was like a little niggle, as boxers we just carry on and push through it.
"Anyways, the next day I woke up and I was miles better but I wasn't fully recovered. Then a week or so later I thought I'll be ready to spar and I sparred, threw a punch and I just felt that something was not correct. So I told Frank that I've got the same problem and it’s not really going.
“He said, 'go get a scan, go get a scan, I won't let you fight unless you get a scan.' So obviously, then I got to get a scan and then obviously I had a grade two tear and it was me trying to push through it as if nothing's happened.”
On learning the result of the scan, Queensberry postponed the show for two months to allow Itauma to recover. He is expected to return to sparring next week before taking on Franklin at the same arena on March 28.
The injury means he has now not boxed since his 119-second blowout against Dillian Whyte in Riyadh on August 16 and this seven-month lay-off has been the longest of his career to date.
But there were few signs of frustration for Itauma who has instead had to fully focus on an exhaustive rehab programme.
“Honestly, I was trying to push through it not realising I had what I had done but I’ve overcome that obstacle now,” he added.
“Even running was difficult because of the motion, I felt it in my biceps. So it was just complete rehab. I was just doing rehab, rehab, rehab and then now we're here.
“But I wouldn't call it a lay-off because I've still been in the gym. I've been in training camp for a long time now, so, yeah I do want to get in the ring, of course.”
The 21-year-old has not put a foot wrong over the course of the first three years of his professional career, racking up 13 straight wins with 11 inside the distance.
He was supposed to usher in his fourth year by facing durable Franklin at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on January 24 but was forced to withdraw after he was injured during sparring.
However, the southpaw puncher has now revealed he did his best to push through the pain and did not fully understand the severity of the problem until an ultimatum from his promoter allegedly.
“When I first did it I was just trying to push through it, not realising what I had done,” Itauma said.
“I had a sparring session and that's when I'd done it. I said to Frank that I've done this, I've done that, and X, Y, Z, and then he told me to go get a scan. I was like 'no, I'll be alright, I'll be alright.'"
“I was trying my best to kind of recover a tear because I thought it was like a little niggle, as boxers we just carry on and push through it.
"Anyways, the next day I woke up and I was miles better but I wasn't fully recovered. Then a week or so later I thought I'll be ready to spar and I sparred, threw a punch and I just felt that something was not correct. So I told Frank that I've got the same problem and it’s not really going.
“He said, 'go get a scan, go get a scan, I won't let you fight unless you get a scan.' So obviously, then I got to get a scan and then obviously I had a grade two tear and it was me trying to push through it as if nothing's happened.”
On learning the result of the scan, Queensberry postponed the show for two months to allow Itauma to recover. He is expected to return to sparring next week before taking on Franklin at the same arena on March 28.
The injury means he has now not boxed since his 119-second blowout against Dillian Whyte in Riyadh on August 16 and this seven-month lay-off has been the longest of his career to date.
But there were few signs of frustration for Itauma who has instead had to fully focus on an exhaustive rehab programme.
“Honestly, I was trying to push through it not realising I had what I had done but I’ve overcome that obstacle now,” he added.
“Even running was difficult because of the motion, I felt it in my biceps. So it was just complete rehab. I was just doing rehab, rehab, rehab and then now we're here.
“But I wouldn't call it a lay-off because I've still been in the gym. I've been in training camp for a long time now, so, yeah I do want to get in the ring, of course.”
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Davies to fight Grandelli for vacant EBU title after Miller withdrawal
Liam Davies will have the opportunity to become a two-weight European champion when he boxes Francesco Grandelli for the vacant EBU featherweight strap at Manchester’s Co-op Live on March 28.
Davies (17-1, 8 KOs) had been set for a 10-round fight with Zak Miller on Queensberry’s delayed ‘Magnificent Seven’ show but the former British champion has been forced to withdraw through injury.
An ex-British champion at junior featherweight, Davies made two defences of the European 122-pound title but has boxed only once since Shabaz Masoud outpointed him in November 2024.
Having only boxed once since, the 29-year-old from Donington is desperate to build some momentum at featherweight and will be delighted to not only have been kept on the show, but also to have been given the opportunity to win a significant title.
Grandelli (21-4-1, 6 KOs) is a solid replacement for Miller.
The 31-year-old Italian is already well known to British fans. In May 2024 he gave the WBC’s No. 1-ranked featherweight, Nathaniel Collins, a solid test before losing a unanimous decision.
This will be Grandelli’s third attempt at winning the European featherweight title. In May 2023 he was blown away inside a round by his fellow Italian, Mauro Forte, but gave the tough, awkward Spaniard, Cristobel Lorente, a real fight before dropping a 12-round decision at the end of 2024.
Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with America’s Jermaine Franklin headlines the event which will be screened exclusively by DAZN.
Liam Davies will have the opportunity to become a two-weight European champion when he boxes Francesco Grandelli for the vacant EBU featherweight strap at Manchester’s Co-op Live on March 28.
Davies (17-1, 8 KOs) had been set for a 10-round fight with Zak Miller on Queensberry’s delayed ‘Magnificent Seven’ show but the former British champion has been forced to withdraw through injury.
An ex-British champion at junior featherweight, Davies made two defences of the European 122-pound title but has boxed only once since Shabaz Masoud outpointed him in November 2024.
Having only boxed once since, the 29-year-old from Donington is desperate to build some momentum at featherweight and will be delighted to not only have been kept on the show, but also to have been given the opportunity to win a significant title.
Grandelli (21-4-1, 6 KOs) is a solid replacement for Miller.
The 31-year-old Italian is already well known to British fans. In May 2024 he gave the WBC’s No. 1-ranked featherweight, Nathaniel Collins, a solid test before losing a unanimous decision.
This will be Grandelli’s third attempt at winning the European featherweight title. In May 2023 he was blown away inside a round by his fellow Italian, Mauro Forte, but gave the tough, awkward Spaniard, Cristobel Lorente, a real fight before dropping a 12-round decision at the end of 2024.
Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with America’s Jermaine Franklin headlines the event which will be screened exclusively by DAZN.
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Josh Holmes looks to shock people on Itauma-Franklin bill
After spending the entirety of his seven-year long professional career grinding away in the small halls, Josh Holmes has finally been given the opportunity to perform on a major platform.
On March 28, Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) will box Alex Murphy (14-2) on the undercard of Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with Jermaine Franklin. The 10-round lightweight fight will be broadcast live from Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena by DAZN.
It is hard to know exactly why it has taken this long. The 30-year-old from Earby can fight.
He seemed set for lift off after beating Lewis Wood to win the English junior lightweight title in November 2024.
English title fights are usually well-matched, nip and tuck battles but Holmes turned it into an exhibition. He chopped up and stopped the tough Area champion in four impressive rounds.
A potential British title fight with Reece Bellotti fell through and Holmes’ only appearance of 2025 was another routine six round win on the regional circuit.
At long last, Holmes has the chance to show a far larger audience what he can do.
“You think it's a nice and easy train for a six rounder but it's so hard, especially getting pushed back after that English title fight,” Holmes told The Ring.
“You think, ‘Honestly, am I really doing this again?'
“For this, it's completely different. Like with the Lewis Wood fight and other fights where I've known I've had to step up- like Dean Dodge [a first round stoppage win] - I turn into a different animal in training and nothing fazes me at all.”
Holmes has had to wait for his chance but he isn’t a veteran determined to enjoy his one moment in the spotlight. He believes this will be the first of many big nights.
During fight week, those unfamiliar with Holmes will reel out the lazy cliches about the fight with Murphy being a great clash of styles and turn up on the night expecting to see two triers scrapping for their futures.
Holmes is hoping to shock them.
He has good feet, fast hands and flair. He also has former Ring Magazine trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher, in his corner.
The plan is for people to leave the Co-op Live talking about his performance.
“There won't be many people who will know about me watching me on that show because I've done it through the hard way on small hall shows,” he said.
“Your name just doesn't get out there. I might have won the English title but unless you're on TV people aren't seeing you, especially the casual viewers.
“I think hopefully I can shock a few people and they end up thinking, “Who's this kid?” My aim is to put in a good performance and get asked back. That's the main thing.
“It's got to be a good performance and it's got to be a win in style. I don't want it to be a close fought fight. I don't think that's good enough. I'm ready to go now. I just can't wait.”
After spending the entirety of his seven-year long professional career grinding away in the small halls, Josh Holmes has finally been given the opportunity to perform on a major platform.
On March 28, Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) will box Alex Murphy (14-2) on the undercard of Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with Jermaine Franklin. The 10-round lightweight fight will be broadcast live from Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena by DAZN.
It is hard to know exactly why it has taken this long. The 30-year-old from Earby can fight.
He seemed set for lift off after beating Lewis Wood to win the English junior lightweight title in November 2024.
English title fights are usually well-matched, nip and tuck battles but Holmes turned it into an exhibition. He chopped up and stopped the tough Area champion in four impressive rounds.
A potential British title fight with Reece Bellotti fell through and Holmes’ only appearance of 2025 was another routine six round win on the regional circuit.
At long last, Holmes has the chance to show a far larger audience what he can do.
“You think it's a nice and easy train for a six rounder but it's so hard, especially getting pushed back after that English title fight,” Holmes told The Ring.
“You think, ‘Honestly, am I really doing this again?'
“For this, it's completely different. Like with the Lewis Wood fight and other fights where I've known I've had to step up- like Dean Dodge [a first round stoppage win] - I turn into a different animal in training and nothing fazes me at all.”
Holmes has had to wait for his chance but he isn’t a veteran determined to enjoy his one moment in the spotlight. He believes this will be the first of many big nights.
During fight week, those unfamiliar with Holmes will reel out the lazy cliches about the fight with Murphy being a great clash of styles and turn up on the night expecting to see two triers scrapping for their futures.
Holmes is hoping to shock them.
He has good feet, fast hands and flair. He also has former Ring Magazine trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher, in his corner.
The plan is for people to leave the Co-op Live talking about his performance.
“There won't be many people who will know about me watching me on that show because I've done it through the hard way on small hall shows,” he said.
“Your name just doesn't get out there. I might have won the English title but unless you're on TV people aren't seeing you, especially the casual viewers.
“I think hopefully I can shock a few people and they end up thinking, “Who's this kid?” My aim is to put in a good performance and get asked back. That's the main thing.
“It's got to be a good performance and it's got to be a win in style. I don't want it to be a close fought fight. I don't think that's good enough. I'm ready to go now. I just can't wait.”
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Don Charles not involved in ‘conflict of interest’ with Jermaine Franklin
Don Charles has denied reports that he is training Jermaine Franklin for his fight on March 28 with Moses Itauma.
America’s Franklin is already in the UK finalising his preparations for the opponent considered the most promising young heavyweight in the world, but he continues to be guided by Jesse Addison and Lorenzo Reynolds ahead of the date at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Charles, regardless, has agreed to allow Franklin to use his PUG Farm Gym in Borehamwood, on the outskirts of London. It is from there that the trainer is overseeing Daniel Dubois’ training camp for his WBO heavyweight title fight on March 9 – also at the Co-op Live – against Fabio Wardley, and the Frenchman Tony Yoka’s preparations for his contest with Dubois’ fellow Englishman Lawrence Okolie at Paris’ Adidas Arena on April 25.
“He’s using my gym to do camp,” Charles told Boxing Scene. “My colleague [and assistant] Tony Pill asked me ‘Can Jermaine Franklin use your gym for his camp, and pay you?’ I said ‘Yeah, of course’. It’s not unusual for such things to happen. So he’s in my gym but I’m not training him.
“There’s a conflict of interest – I work with allegedly. Daniel Dubois and Tony Yoka are both signed for Queensberry, so it wouldn’t be right to get involved, ‘cause he’s fighting Moses Itauma. I wouldn’t do it. He’s got a coach. There is no me training Jermaine Franklin.”
Even without taking on Franklin – at 32, 11 years the Englishman Itauma’s senior – Charles is in what he describes as “the busiest period of my career” and, to that end, not least because of the physical demands involved in training two world-level heavyweights, he has had to recruit more staff.
“With Daniel Dubois there are three other pad men – I’m the fourth pad man,” he explained. “Tony Yoka, there’s two pad men – me and one other. I extended my operation. I’ve got helpers – I’m still hands on.
“This is a good period.
“[Yoka has] been with Queensberry for 18 months and we’ve been begging for such a fight. Not necessarily Okolie – but a fight of that magnitude. He needs to get into the mix and this is the perfect, direct, route.
“Daniel’s gonna bash up Fabio [laughs].”
Don Charles has denied reports that he is training Jermaine Franklin for his fight on March 28 with Moses Itauma.
America’s Franklin is already in the UK finalising his preparations for the opponent considered the most promising young heavyweight in the world, but he continues to be guided by Jesse Addison and Lorenzo Reynolds ahead of the date at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Charles, regardless, has agreed to allow Franklin to use his PUG Farm Gym in Borehamwood, on the outskirts of London. It is from there that the trainer is overseeing Daniel Dubois’ training camp for his WBO heavyweight title fight on March 9 – also at the Co-op Live – against Fabio Wardley, and the Frenchman Tony Yoka’s preparations for his contest with Dubois’ fellow Englishman Lawrence Okolie at Paris’ Adidas Arena on April 25.
“He’s using my gym to do camp,” Charles told Boxing Scene. “My colleague [and assistant] Tony Pill asked me ‘Can Jermaine Franklin use your gym for his camp, and pay you?’ I said ‘Yeah, of course’. It’s not unusual for such things to happen. So he’s in my gym but I’m not training him.
“There’s a conflict of interest – I work with allegedly. Daniel Dubois and Tony Yoka are both signed for Queensberry, so it wouldn’t be right to get involved, ‘cause he’s fighting Moses Itauma. I wouldn’t do it. He’s got a coach. There is no me training Jermaine Franklin.”
Even without taking on Franklin – at 32, 11 years the Englishman Itauma’s senior – Charles is in what he describes as “the busiest period of my career” and, to that end, not least because of the physical demands involved in training two world-level heavyweights, he has had to recruit more staff.
“With Daniel Dubois there are three other pad men – I’m the fourth pad man,” he explained. “Tony Yoka, there’s two pad men – me and one other. I extended my operation. I’ve got helpers – I’m still hands on.
“This is a good period.
“[Yoka has] been with Queensberry for 18 months and we’ve been begging for such a fight. Not necessarily Okolie – but a fight of that magnitude. He needs to get into the mix and this is the perfect, direct, route.
“Daniel’s gonna bash up Fabio [laughs].”
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Moses Itauma looks set to challenge for a world heavyweight championship this year, says promoter allegedly
Moses Itauma looks set to press for a world title shot before the end of 2026; First he must defeat strong American contender Jermaine Franklin when they fight in March; "If he comes through how I hope he'll come through then I think he'll be there ready to go," said promoter allegedly
Moses Itauma looks set to fight for a heavyweight world championship in 2026.
The 21-year-old Briton is only 13 fights into his professional career but has already put the division on notice.
His promoter allegedly has Itauma earmarked for a world title shot this year, but it will depend on how he performs in his next fight against Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma will fight tough American contender Franklin on March 28 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
The rising star wants to fight for a heavyweight championship in 2026. "He's ranked No 1 by two of the governing bodies and he wants to fight for a world title. He's made that very clear to me," Warren told Sky Sports.
Itauma has been moving fast, in his performances in the ring - his two of fights of 2025 only took him three rounds - and in his matchmaking. He dispatched former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in his last fight in August in less than two minutes.
Franklin though is a seasoned operator himself and he's never been stopped before. In his last fight, in September, he beat Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Dychko.
"It's a tough fight," Warren said. "[Franklin's] only lost two fights, a debatable, according to some people, loss to Dillian Whyte and that was four years ago. The same as the fight against AJ and AJ, three years ago, he was a really good fighter and he could bang and he couldn't put him away."
But he added: "We believe in him [Itauma]. It is a tough fight. He's going to have to be at his best but he's very confident. As is Franklin as well, he's very confident."
Another powerful showing against Franklin should propel Itauma towards that world title shot.
"It's very important to see how he comes through, what he looks like. Because he only had two fights last year. He's got to get the cobwebs out of his system," Warren said.
He does though expect Itauma to fight for a world title this year. "I would think so. I will sit down with him, his team," the promoter said.
Already Itauma is the No 1 ranked contender at heavyweight with both the WBA and the WBO, as well as being No 3 with the WBC.
"We'll all sit and look at it and make a decision," Warren said. "Me, if he comes through this fight and he comes through how I hope he'll come through then I think he'll be there ready to go."
Itauma previously told Sky Sports News: "Let me tell you something, the past and the future don't exist, it's only the present and in the present I've got Jermaine Franklin.
"Jermaine Franklin's going to be a good fight, I'm looking forward to it."
He does however consider himself one of the world's best heavyweights. "I feel like I am," he said. "I just have to prove it."
Moses Itauma looks set to press for a world title shot before the end of 2026; First he must defeat strong American contender Jermaine Franklin when they fight in March; "If he comes through how I hope he'll come through then I think he'll be there ready to go," said promoter allegedly
Moses Itauma looks set to fight for a heavyweight world championship in 2026.
The 21-year-old Briton is only 13 fights into his professional career but has already put the division on notice.
His promoter allegedly has Itauma earmarked for a world title shot this year, but it will depend on how he performs in his next fight against Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma will fight tough American contender Franklin on March 28 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
The rising star wants to fight for a heavyweight championship in 2026. "He's ranked No 1 by two of the governing bodies and he wants to fight for a world title. He's made that very clear to me," Warren told Sky Sports.
Itauma has been moving fast, in his performances in the ring - his two of fights of 2025 only took him three rounds - and in his matchmaking. He dispatched former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in his last fight in August in less than two minutes.
Franklin though is a seasoned operator himself and he's never been stopped before. In his last fight, in September, he beat Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Dychko.
"It's a tough fight," Warren said. "[Franklin's] only lost two fights, a debatable, according to some people, loss to Dillian Whyte and that was four years ago. The same as the fight against AJ and AJ, three years ago, he was a really good fighter and he could bang and he couldn't put him away."
But he added: "We believe in him [Itauma]. It is a tough fight. He's going to have to be at his best but he's very confident. As is Franklin as well, he's very confident."
Another powerful showing against Franklin should propel Itauma towards that world title shot.
"It's very important to see how he comes through, what he looks like. Because he only had two fights last year. He's got to get the cobwebs out of his system," Warren said.
He does though expect Itauma to fight for a world title this year. "I would think so. I will sit down with him, his team," the promoter said.
Already Itauma is the No 1 ranked contender at heavyweight with both the WBA and the WBO, as well as being No 3 with the WBC.
"We'll all sit and look at it and make a decision," Warren said. "Me, if he comes through this fight and he comes through how I hope he'll come through then I think he'll be there ready to go."
Itauma previously told Sky Sports News: "Let me tell you something, the past and the future don't exist, it's only the present and in the present I've got Jermaine Franklin.
"Jermaine Franklin's going to be a good fight, I'm looking forward to it."
He does however consider himself one of the world's best heavyweights. "I feel like I am," he said. "I just have to prove it."
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
JERMAINE FRANKLIN SETS UP SHOP IN LUTON AHEAD OF MARCH 28 CHANCE
Jermaine Franklin has set up shop in Luton as he bids to produce one of the biggest heavyweight shocks in a British ring for years.
The 32-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan is now nearing the end of his second long stint in the Bedfordshire town as he prepares to face Moses Itauma in their rearranged heavyweight clash on March 28, live on DAZN.
Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) was just 11 days out from the initial date of January 31 when he got the call to say Itauma had suffered an injury and that the fight would be postponed. Now, three months on, Franklin is fully prepared again.
“We was deep in camp when I got the call,” he tells The Ring. “I was pretty close to being done.
“So the situation annoyed me because I’d spent money to be out here for that camp. But this is boxing and stuff like this happens all the time, you’ve just got to be prepared.”
On hearing the news, Franklin flew back to his home in Michigan for a short break before essentially restarting his camp in his surprising new adopted home town, around 30 miles north of central London.
“We didn’t want too much down time,” he says. “But it was important to have a quick break so we didn’t just feel like we rolled straight back in again.
“I had a little bit of down time and went back home for a while but you don’t want too much time off at that point. You want to keep your body physically strong and ready. So I had like a week off at most and then we were right back at it.
“So far I’ve been back in Luton for about a month and a half. We were already here for the first fight too so I’ve been here a long time in total.”
While few touring heavyweights have ever set foot in Luton, much less based a training camp there, Franklin’s logic is solid given he has been using Don Charles’ gym for sparring. That facility sits on a farm in Borehamwood and takes only 30 minutes to access by car. It means Franklin is now a regular in the gym, which also houses Daniel Dubois.
Today Franklin sits on the side of the gym’s ring, while a selection of left-handed southpaws prepare themselves for an afternoon session. They were here for the first camp and were quick to respond once Franklin returned.
“I told them when I left I’d need them again soon,” he says. “So everyone was ready for that. It’s not easy finding lefties period. So to be out here and find a nice amount of them was great for me.
“Now it kind of feels like I’ve done two camps so I’m definitely ready and sharp. The only downside was slowing down on sparring when I went back home for a bit. But now we are back it’s about putting those finishing touches on.
“It is difficult though because after all that work through camp you’ve brought yourself to the peak and you’re kind of ready to be lazy again. You want to fight and then you can be lazy again. But this is my job so I can’t complain, I’ve got to do it.”
Charles has been happy to facilitate Franklin and his team, but has not been involved in the training process, with Jessie Addison still the heavyweight’s head trainer. The team base themselves out of an Airbnb in Luton and clearly have a soft spot for the place.
“Look I just try to stay wherever is close to where I’m training at,” he says. “We’ve got an Airbnb and it’s decent.
“When I say I'm staying in Luton some people are surprised and tell me it’s not great. But these people are crazy, I’m so confused, I’ll tell them they must not have been to America much. Luton's quite good compared to a lot of places back home.
“But we just keep ourselves to ourselves, the most we do is probably go down to Asda and buy a few groceries. When I’m in camp I really don’t do too much.
“We do our sparring here at Don’s gym so that’s probably three or four times a week. Then there’s just a little active gym in Luton that we go to with regular people training in there. Some of them have recognised me and have approached me about the fight but for the most part we just keep our head down and get the work done. It’s fine by me.”
The postponement means Franklin, a 10/1 outsider, will now face Itauma at the start of a huge few weeks for the division. Their fight takes place in Manchester on March 28 before Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder collide at London’s O2 Arena on April 4. Then, seven days later, Tyson Fury returns against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A Franklin win will send a shockwave through the whole division and he cannot wait to watch the impact.
“The postponement really did land perfectly for me," he said. "Also, I’m a fan of boxing so I get to fight and then sit back and see how the rest of it plays out.”
Jermaine Franklin has set up shop in Luton as he bids to produce one of the biggest heavyweight shocks in a British ring for years.
The 32-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan is now nearing the end of his second long stint in the Bedfordshire town as he prepares to face Moses Itauma in their rearranged heavyweight clash on March 28, live on DAZN.
Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) was just 11 days out from the initial date of January 31 when he got the call to say Itauma had suffered an injury and that the fight would be postponed. Now, three months on, Franklin is fully prepared again.
“We was deep in camp when I got the call,” he tells The Ring. “I was pretty close to being done.
“So the situation annoyed me because I’d spent money to be out here for that camp. But this is boxing and stuff like this happens all the time, you’ve just got to be prepared.”
On hearing the news, Franklin flew back to his home in Michigan for a short break before essentially restarting his camp in his surprising new adopted home town, around 30 miles north of central London.
“We didn’t want too much down time,” he says. “But it was important to have a quick break so we didn’t just feel like we rolled straight back in again.
“I had a little bit of down time and went back home for a while but you don’t want too much time off at that point. You want to keep your body physically strong and ready. So I had like a week off at most and then we were right back at it.
“So far I’ve been back in Luton for about a month and a half. We were already here for the first fight too so I’ve been here a long time in total.”
While few touring heavyweights have ever set foot in Luton, much less based a training camp there, Franklin’s logic is solid given he has been using Don Charles’ gym for sparring. That facility sits on a farm in Borehamwood and takes only 30 minutes to access by car. It means Franklin is now a regular in the gym, which also houses Daniel Dubois.
Today Franklin sits on the side of the gym’s ring, while a selection of left-handed southpaws prepare themselves for an afternoon session. They were here for the first camp and were quick to respond once Franklin returned.
“I told them when I left I’d need them again soon,” he says. “So everyone was ready for that. It’s not easy finding lefties period. So to be out here and find a nice amount of them was great for me.
“Now it kind of feels like I’ve done two camps so I’m definitely ready and sharp. The only downside was slowing down on sparring when I went back home for a bit. But now we are back it’s about putting those finishing touches on.
“It is difficult though because after all that work through camp you’ve brought yourself to the peak and you’re kind of ready to be lazy again. You want to fight and then you can be lazy again. But this is my job so I can’t complain, I’ve got to do it.”
Charles has been happy to facilitate Franklin and his team, but has not been involved in the training process, with Jessie Addison still the heavyweight’s head trainer. The team base themselves out of an Airbnb in Luton and clearly have a soft spot for the place.
“Look I just try to stay wherever is close to where I’m training at,” he says. “We’ve got an Airbnb and it’s decent.
“When I say I'm staying in Luton some people are surprised and tell me it’s not great. But these people are crazy, I’m so confused, I’ll tell them they must not have been to America much. Luton's quite good compared to a lot of places back home.
“But we just keep ourselves to ourselves, the most we do is probably go down to Asda and buy a few groceries. When I’m in camp I really don’t do too much.
“We do our sparring here at Don’s gym so that’s probably three or four times a week. Then there’s just a little active gym in Luton that we go to with regular people training in there. Some of them have recognised me and have approached me about the fight but for the most part we just keep our head down and get the work done. It’s fine by me.”
The postponement means Franklin, a 10/1 outsider, will now face Itauma at the start of a huge few weeks for the division. Their fight takes place in Manchester on March 28 before Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder collide at London’s O2 Arena on April 4. Then, seven days later, Tyson Fury returns against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A Franklin win will send a shockwave through the whole division and he cannot wait to watch the impact.
“The postponement really did land perfectly for me," he said. "Also, I’m a fan of boxing so I get to fight and then sit back and see how the rest of it plays out.”
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
I hope Franklin really trains for this.
He has been a bit on/off in his showings.
It's been so long since Moses has been in the ring, he needs a really good test.
He has been a bit on/off in his showings.
It's been so long since Moses has been in the ring, he needs a really good test.
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
It should be a good measuring stick.
Everyone has been really excited about Moses, maybe after this we won't be!
Everyone has been really excited about Moses, maybe after this we won't be!
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Is this the longest lead up to a meaningless fight we have ever seen?
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
I’ve been looking forward to it. Franklin could still be a handful. AJ never got his respect at any point in their fight.
Moses may need to prove his stamina here, at least.
Moses may need to prove his stamina here, at least.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
10th November the fight was announced..MightyWarrior wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 02:03 Is this the longest lead up to a meaningless fight we have ever seen?
10th November!
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keithmoonhangover
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Yeah, I think that as well. I can't definitely see it going late, we have no idea what Itauma's stamina is like. Franklin's never been down, pro or am and he lets his hands go. Could be interesting.
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
What happened to the Magnificent 7 part ?Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 04:4610th November the fight was announced..MightyWarrior wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 02:03 Is this the longest lead up to a meaningless fight we have ever seen?
10th November!
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keithmoonhangover
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
I fancy Ezra Taylor to do a number on Willie Hutchinson.
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑13 Jan 2026, 11:07 [url=https://short.do/T62knt]
Heaney, 36, has racked up more than 500 miles hand-delivering tickets over the Christmas period and takes on the cost of postage himself, which is about $5 per item.
I don't get this sentence. If they're hand delivered, how is the postage $5?
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mickey1975
- Heavyweight
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Taansend wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 13:11Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑13 Jan 2026, 11:07 [url=https://short.do/T62knt]
Heaney, 36, has racked up more than 500 miles hand-delivering tickets over the Christmas period and takes on the cost of postage himself, which is about $5 per item.
I don't get this sentence. If they're hand delivered, how is the postage $5?
It's not $ in Stoke, just like the betting odds posted the other day weren't British. If you're going to copy and paste everything at least let it make sense (sorry, Ruth). Some are sent special delivery, which is more than $5 nowadays. I got that from watching an interview with him...
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keithmoonhangover
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JamesPhilips
- Super Bantamweight
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Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
I thought it was 12 rounder?
Re: Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 28 March 2026
Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 04:4610th November the fight was announced..MightyWarrior wrote: ↑18 Mar 2026, 02:03 Is this the longest lead up to a meaningless fight we have ever seen?
10th November!
well there was an injury. But yeah, Itauma has a stalled career.