Moses Itauma has once again issued an emphatic statement after the British heavyweight contender became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte have been kept within striking distance on points in Franklin’s last two visits to the UK, but the durable American was brutally defeated by Itauma midway through the fifth round in Manchester.
Itauma knocked down his opponent in the third round and closed out the fight in spectacular fashion a few rounds later, followed by a devastating left uppercut with a right hand that sent Franklin crashing face-first into the canvas.
As Itauma bowed to the sold-out Co-op Live Arena crowd with a 14-0 win, referee Steve Gray immediately waved him off the contest and the clamor for the 21-year-old to fight for a world title next grew louder.
Itauma acknowledged that Franklin was the “last piece of the puzzle” before a world title fight – Oleksandr Usyk and Fabio Wardley hold four major belts between them – and the Michigan man was listed as an opponent because of his stamina.
Franklin absorbed stinging blows throughout to put a few rounds into Itauma’s legs, but there was a big gap in class as the youngster displayed excellent speed, footwork and all-around ring craft.
Moses Itauma celebrates victory in WBA International and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight bout against Jermaine Franklin
After a ring-walk performance by masked Manchenian rapper Meeks, Itauma got right to work, and while the underdog remained upright, he landed a few southpaw lefts that knocked Franklin’s head back.
Itauma stopped his remaining nine opponents within two rounds, and despite Franklin breaking through the threshold, he once again absorbed a big left and stuck his tongue out before fighting back in the final seconds.
At the end of the next round, Franklin briefly took his eyes off Itauma as he turned his back to the ropes, then landed a short right hook to the back of the ear for an eight count.
He bounced back well by the fourth round, but things ended in brutal fashion in the next round as Itauma scored another highlight-reel knockout to the delight of the crowd.
Itauma defeats Franklin
Itauma: I’m a boy chasing dreams.
Speaking on DAZN, Itauma said: “I’m really grateful to the great crowd in Manchester and we had a great time.
“It’s nice to get the win. I really enjoyed my stay in Manchester. This is actually where I won my first national title. Seven years later I’m here and I’m coming back with a win over Franklin.”
“I have to thank Franklin for this opportunity. It takes two to tango. I’m grateful.”
“I don’t know what to say. The Lord is good. I tried to knock him out in the first or second round, but I might not be able to do it today. So I went back to basics and decided to knock him out.”
“When I first became a pro, I thought I would win the title, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly. I’m just a boy chasing a dream.”
