Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old heavyweight boxer, has rapidly ascended through the ranks, demonstrating considerable talent against a range of opponents. With a record of 11 knockouts in 13 fights, Itauma has proven himself a formidable contender, notably knocking out Dillian Whyte in just one round in August 2025. His upcoming bout against Jermaine Franklin on March 28, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester, represents a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
The fight was initially scheduled for January 24, 2026, but was postponed due to an injury sustained by Itauma. Franklin, who has only lost twice in his 24-fight career—both by points to Anthony Joshua and Whyte—poses a significant challenge for Itauma. As the WBA’s No. 1 contender and ranked No. 3 by the WBC, Itauma’s performance against Franklin will be closely scrutinized.
“Let’s say I surpass Franklin… I don’t think that’s bad going,” Itauma remarked, reflecting on the importance of this match. His confidence is bolstered by his rapid rise in the sport, having spent just 354 seconds in the ring since the start of 2025. Itauma’s handlers emphasize that quality over quantity is essential for a developing heavyweight, a sentiment echoed by his coach.
Franklin’s experience and resilience will test Itauma’s skills, especially given that he has faced tougher opponents in his relatively short career. Itauma’s statement, “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,” underscores his readiness for this challenge.
As the boxing community anticipates the fight, Murat Gassiev’s coach, Anton Kadushin, stated, “We won’t avoid him,” indicating that Itauma’s rise is being closely monitored by other contenders. The main event is expected to begin with ring-walks around 11 p.m. GMT, following an undercard that starts at approximately 5 p.m. GMT.
Observers are keen to see how Itauma performs against Franklin, as a victory could solidify his position as a leading contender in the heavyweight division. The implications of this fight extend beyond just rankings; they could shape the future landscape of heavyweight boxing.