Moses Itauma delivered a powerful message to the heavyweight division by dominating Jermaine Franklin in a decisive victory.
Itauma, boasting an impressive record of stopping 12 out of 14 opponents in his professional career, achieved what renowned British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t do – he successfully halted Franklin’s resistance, pushing the American fighter further than Itauma had encountered before.
The 21-year-old British boxer showcased his skills by knocking down Franklin in the third round. Reflecting on his performance, Itauma commented, “I accomplished something that other British heavyweight greats didn’t achieve. While I initially aimed for an early knockout, I adjusted my strategy and focused on body shots, eventually leading to the knockout.”
From the outset, Itauma controlled the fight, methodically pursuing Franklin around the ring. Landing precise body shots and quick combinations, Itauma displayed superior speed and technique, frustrating Franklin’s attempts to counter. The American fighter struggled to mount a significant offense and was eventually floored by a powerful right hook in the third round.
Maintaining his dominance, Itauma continued to land effective punches, particularly targeting Franklin’s body and temple with well-executed hooks. Despite Franklin lasting until the fifth round, Itauma ultimately sealed the victory with a devastating left uppercut followed by a decisive right hand that sent Franklin crashing to the canvas.
Elsewhere on the card, Willy Hutchinson secured a victory over Ezra Taylor, handing the Nottingham fighter his first defeat. Nathan Heaney, despite strong support from fans, fell short against Gerome Warburton, marking his second loss in recent fights. In a surprising upset, Brad Pauls triumphed over the previously unbeaten Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round, showcasing resilience and skill in the ring.