Moses Itauma puts the heavyweight division on notice after Franklin demolition

On March 28, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin headlined a Queensberry Promotions fight card, live on DAZN.

Franklin was selected as a man who could test Itauma and take him into deep waters, having never been stopped in his professional career. The American did give Itauma rounds, but the 21-year-old got the job done in style, winning by fifth-round TKO. After this stunning performance, many are asking what comes next for the Chatham fighter.

Moses Itauma demolishes Franklin to move to 14-0

Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) started fast, showcasing his blistering hand speed and punch accuracy, with Franklin (24-3, 15 KOs)  looking befuddled. The 21-year-old boxed more diligently in the second, but ended the round strongly, landing eye-catching hooks.

Moses Itauma landed a well-placed right hook, knocking Franklin down in the third. The American did well to make it to his feet and survive the round. The American had his best moment in the fourth, landing two body shots, which Itauma took well.

The Chatham fighter came out quick in the fifth and soon landed a devastating left uppercut that left Franklin falling to the canvas. Itauma followed up with a right hand to finish the job, leaving referee Steve Gray no opportunity but to wave the fight off. Itauma dazzled, winning  by fifth-round TKO and becoming the first man to stop Franklin.

Moses Itauma’s possible next steps after Franklin destruction

Speaking after the fight in the ring, Frank Warren announced that he expects Itauma to fight for a world title this year, with the 21-year-old the number 1 challenger in the WBO and WBA heavyweight rankings.

A fight against Oleksandr Usyk or Fabio Wardley doesn’t look realistic in the immediate future. Looking at the rankings, the most feasible opponent looks to be the WBA regular heavyweight champion, Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs). 

Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) appears to be in no man’s land at the moment as the WBC interim heavyweight champion and next in line to face Usyk. However, with Usyk set to face Rico Verhoeven, Kabayel is waiting in the wings. Could Usyk vacate, and we see Itauma face Kabayel for the vacant title? Lawrence Okolie (23-1, 17 KOs) is the number one challenger in the WBC rankings, so a fight between Okolie and Itauma could be feasible, with the winner facing Kabayel for the vacant title, should Okolie beat Tony Yoka.

Whoever comes next for Moses Itauma, it remains to be seen just how far the 21-year-old can go, but the smart move appears to be Gassiev as the next opponent.