Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old heavyweight boxer, has been making headlines with his impressive record, having stopped 11 of his 13 opponents. His most notable victory came in August 2025 when he knocked out Dillian Whyte in just one round. Itauma’s handlers emphasize that quality over quantity is essential for his development in the sport.
On March 28, 2026, Itauma is set to face Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live in Manchester, United Kingdom. This matchup comes after a previous postponement originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, due to an injury sustained by Itauma. Franklin, who has lost only twice in his 24 fights, both by points to Anthony Joshua and Whyte, presents a significant challenge for the young contender.
The ring-walks for the main event are expected to begin around 11 p.m. GMT, with the undercard starting at approximately 5 p.m. GMT. Observers are keen to see how Itauma performs against a more seasoned opponent like Franklin, who has a reputation for resilience in the ring.
Itauma has spent just 354 seconds in the ring since the start of 2025, which raises questions about his experience against tougher competition. Despite this, he is currently the WBA’s No. 1 contender and ranked No. 3 with the WBC, indicating his rapid rise in the heavyweight rankings.
Murat Gassiev, who won the WBA ‘Regular’ title in December 2025, is also in the mix, with his coach Anton Kadushin stating, “We won’t avoid him.” This suggests that Itauma’s path may soon intersect with Gassiev’s, depending on the outcome of his fight with Franklin.
Itauma himself expressed confidence about the upcoming bout, stating, “Let’s say I surpass Franklin… I don’t think that’s bad going.” He further commented on his record, saying, “Having 13 fights and having Dillian Whyte, Demsey McKean and Mariusz Wach on your record, I think that’s not bad for somebody that’s been professional three years.”
As the fight approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Itauma can maintain his unbeaten streak and continue his ascent in the heavyweight division. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both fighters’ careers moving forward.
