Moses Itauma delivered a dominant performance against Jermaine Franklin, making a strong statement in the heavyweight division. Itauma, with an impressive record of stopping 12 out of 14 opponents, achieved what renowned boxers Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte could not by halting Franklin before the fifth round.
The 21-year-old British fighter managed to knock down Franklin in the third round and expressed his satisfaction, stating that he accomplished something that other successful British heavyweights hadn’t. Despite initially aiming for a quick knockout in the early rounds, Itauma adjusted his strategy and focused on body shots, eventually securing the knockout victory.
Throughout the fight, Itauma maintained control, showcasing his speed and accuracy with effective combinations. He consistently targeted Franklin’s body and head, ultimately dropping the American in the third round with a powerful right hook. Despite lasting until the fifth round, Franklin succumbed to Itauma’s relentless attacks, ultimately falling face-first to a decisive right hand.
On the undercard, Willy Hutchinson emerged victorious in a closely watched bout against Ezra Taylor, handing the Nottingham fighter his first defeat. Nathan Heaney, despite strong support from his fans, was outpointed by Gerome Warburton, marking his second loss in five fights. Meanwhile, Brad Pauls caused a major upset by stopping the previously undefeated Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring.