Itauma vs Franklin LIVE!
Moses Itauma made another emphatic statement as the British heavyweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were both taken the distance in points wins in Franklin's two previous visits to the UK but the durable American was brutally taken out midway through the fifth round by Itauma.
Having knocked his opponent down in the third, Itauma closed the show in spectacular fashion a couple of rounds later, following up a punishing left uppercut with a right hand that saw Franklin crash to the canvas face first. Referee Steve Gray immediately waved off the contest as Itauma bowed to the sold-out Co-op Live Arena crowd after moving to 14-0, which will only amplify calls for the 21-year-old to fight for a world title next.
Live updates
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Who will Itauma fight next?
Dubois? Wardley? Usyk?
“If I’m being completely honest, I wanted the Hrgovic fight,” Itauma said afterwards.
“But he’s fighting Dave Allen. I don’t know. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see who’s there. We’ll be back soon.”
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 5
That’s it!
Second time is the charm, and it’s 14-0 with a fifth-round knockout. A beautiful shot, timed to perfection as he dispatches Franklin ruthlessly.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 4
Franklin is cornered, knowing he can’t throw or else he gets countered. He does eventually respond with two accurate body shots, and Itauma keeps the pressure on.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 3
A big swing and a miss from Franklin in the early knockings of the third. Itauma is trying to trap him in the neutral corner, but the American is wily with it and evades danger... but he’s not avoided that one! He goes down with 20 seconds to go as Itauma lands a temple shot with the right after raining down on the body.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 1
A blistering start from the Slovakian-born Itauma. His speed and trickiness is so hard for his opponents to keep up with. He backs Franklin up against the ropes with seconds to go, and lands a flush uppercut.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 1
Franklin walks into a huge left inside 20 seconds and is wobbled. Even that inch and a half height difference makes Itauma look like a giant in there. There’s an air of confidence about the 21 year old. He’s flicking the jab quickly, looking at the body before going upstairs.
Tale of the tape
21 year old Itauma is 11 years Franklin’s junior.
He weighed in at 242.1lbs compared to the veteran’s 258.4lbs, while Itauma is an inch and a half taller at 6’4.5”.
He also has a two inch reach advantage.
Here come the fighters...
Franklin first, and now it’s time for Itauma...
Time for the main event
Itauma vs Franklin. Coming next.