Moses Itauma Faces Toughest Test Yet Against Jermaine Franklin

The 21-year-old British heavyweight prospect looks to maintain his undefeated record against the experienced American contender.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:50am

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At just 21 years old, Moses Itauma has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in British boxing. With a perfect 13-0 professional record, including 11 knockouts, the Kent native is widely tipped for a world heavyweight title shot. This Saturday, he faces his toughest test yet in the form of American contender Jermaine Franklin at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.

Why it matters

This fight represents a crucial step up in competition for Itauma. Franklin, 32, has already gone the distance with two of the heavyweight division's biggest names - Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. A win for Itauma would not only maintain his undefeated record but also significantly enhance his claim for a world title opportunity.

The details

Franklin brings a wealth of experience to the ring, having faced top-tier competition. His ability to last 12 rounds with Anthony Joshua demonstrates his resilience and stamina. Itauma, however, is known for his explosive power and quick victories, including a stunning first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte in August. An injury in January forced a two-month postponement of this bout, but Itauma insists the time out hasn't hindered his preparation.

  • The fight will take place on Saturday, March 28th at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
  • The main card is scheduled to start at 5pm GMT, with the main event ring walks expected around 11pm GMT.

The players

Moses Itauma

A 21-year-old British heavyweight prospect with a perfect 13-0 professional record, including 11 knockouts. He is widely tipped for a world heavyweight title shot.

Jermaine Franklin

A 32-year-old American heavyweight contender who has gone the distance with Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, demonstrating his durability and experience.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good fight. I think Jermaine Franklin's the perfect fight, what he does so well [are where] there's question marks on myself. So I guess I'm excited.”

— Moses Itauma

“I said I was ready for December. December came about, I couldn't find an opponent, so we found one end of January and then I had an incident in sparring. I haven't had no time out, I've still been in the gym.”

— Moses Itauma

What’s next

A victory for Itauma would keep him firmly in contention for a world title opportunity, as the WBA had previously ordered its regular title holder Kubrat Pulev to fight Itauma, though Pulev will now face Murat Gassiev.

The takeaway

This fight between the rising British heavyweight star Itauma and the experienced American contender Franklin will be a crucial test for Itauma's aspirations of reaching the top of the heavyweight division. A convincing win could propel Itauma closer to a world title shot, while a loss would raise questions about his readiness to compete at the highest level.