Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old British-Nigerian boxer, delivered a dominant performance against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday night in Manchester. Itauma stopped Franklin in the fifth round, handing him his first professional loss in 26 fights. This impressive victory marked Itauma's 14th win from 14 fights, with 12 of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Itauma's performance was characterized by his control and pace from the opening rounds. By the third round, Franklin had been knocked down, and the writing was on the wall for the American boxer. A clean uppercut in the fifth round left Franklin unsteady, followed by a right hand that forced the stoppage. This stoppage victory showcased Itauma's growing prowess in the heavyweight division.
The win is expected to influence Itauma's position in the World Boxing Organisation rankings, with Gustavo Olivieri confirming that he has been recommended for a mandatory title shot. This development suggests that Itauma's progress is ahead of schedule, and he may be in line for a title shot sooner rather than later.
Itauma's motivation for boxing goes beyond financial reward, with the young boxer stating that he is genuinely fighting for himself and his family. His record now stands at 14 fights, 14 wins, with 12 knockouts, including nine inside two rounds.
Moses Itauma's rapid rise to prominence in the heavyweight division is a testament to his skill and dedication. With a record that reads 14 wins from 14 fights, it's clear that the British-Nigerian boxer is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to stop experienced opponents like Jermaine Franklin is a significant statement, and it's only a matter of time before he's challenging for a world title.
