Jermaine Franklin vows to keep going after Itauma knockout loss

Franklin remains optimistic despite another stoppage defeat

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:42pm

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Heavyweight boxer Jermaine Franklin says he's not giving up after being knocked out in the fifth round by Moses Itauma in their fight last Saturday in Manchester. Franklin acknowledged he got away from his game plan and was caught by Itauma's power, but insisted he has no plans to quit the sport despite the setback.

Why it matters

Franklin's loss to the rising prospect Itauma raises questions about his future at the top of the heavyweight division. At 32 years old and now 1-3 in his last four fights, Franklin is in danger of becoming a 'gatekeeper' rather than a true contender, unless he can make significant improvements to his defense and discipline.

The details

Franklin was dropped and stopped by a powerful right hand from Itauma in the fifth round. The referee immediately waved off the fight, with reports describing Franklin as 'emotionless' and 'staggered' before the final blow landed. Franklin acknowledged he got away from his coaches' game plan, but insisted he could have continued, despite going down face-first - a sign the stoppage was likely warranted to protect his long-term health.

  • The fight took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026 in Manchester, England.

The players

Jermaine Franklin

A 32-year-old American heavyweight boxer with a 24-3 professional record and 15 knockouts.

Moses Itauma

A rising British heavyweight prospect who knocked out Franklin in the fifth round of their fight.

Steve Gray

The referee who immediately stopped the fight after Franklin was knocked down.

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What they’re saying

“Like, I never been a quitter, so just back to the drawing board. I gotta change some s**t up.”

— Jermaine Franklin, Boxer

“I got dropped. I feel like I could have got up, but they stopped the fight.”

— Jermaine Franklin, Boxer

“I feel like I got a little bit away from the coaches' game plan. I got caught with a punch.”

— Jermaine Franklin, Boxer

“I mean, the sky is the limit.”

— Jermaine Franklin, Boxer

What’s next

Franklin will need to regroup and focus on tightening up his defense and discipline if he hopes to work his way back into title contention. His next fight will be crucial in determining whether he can still compete at the highest level of the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

Franklin's loss to the rising prospect Itauma highlights the unforgiving nature of the heavyweight division. At 32 years old and with three losses in his last four fights, Franklin is in danger of becoming a 'gatekeeper' rather than a true contender unless he can make significant improvements to his game.