Itauma Stops Franklin in Fifth to Extend Undefeated Run
Itauma Stops Franklin in Fifth to Extend Undefeated Run
Britain's rising heavyweight Moses Itauma stops Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round in Manchester, extending his perfect run to 14-0 with 12 KOs and fueling talk of a world-title push.
Moses Itauma, 21, kept his ruthless march up the heavyweight ladder with a fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, moving to 14-0 with 12 knockouts.
The action started with Itauma dropping Franklin in the third round, a short right hand catching the American along the ropes. Franklin beat the count and regrouped in the fourth, firing back as the Brit pressed forward.
In the fifth, a rear uppercut froze Franklin, followed by a right hand that sent him to the canvas for a second time and triggered the referee's count. The official waved it off with Franklin clearly hurt.
The stoppage drew boos from Franklin’s corner but was widely perceived as a fair finish.
The win will fuel calls for a world-title shot in the near future, with promoter Frank Warren hinting at a July return and suggesting Itauma could be in the frame before year’s end as Usyk and Wardley move elsewhere.
Itauma has spoken about the sacrifices required to reach boxing’s summit, saying he can’t stay a caterpillar as he grows toward stardom. “I can’t stay a caterpillar,” Itauma said, underscoring his belief that he must keep evolving.
