Frank Warren, the mastermind behind Queensberry Promotions, is setting his sights on the American market for his rising heavyweight star, Moses Itauma. The young British sensation, who has been under Warren’s guidance since turning professional, is poised to take another significant step towards a potential heavyweight world title shot. This Saturday, Itauma will face American Jermaine Franklin in Manchester, a bout that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
At just 21 years old, Itauma has been nothing short of spectacular, dispatching all 13 of his professional opponents with ease. His impressive run has already sparked conversations about a future showdown with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Warren’s recent signing of American heavyweight Jared Anderson, in a co-promotional deal with Top Rank, has added another layer of excitement to the heavyweight division.
Warren envisions a future where Itauma and Anderson could face off in the USA, providing a golden opportunity for both fighters to make their mark on the international stage. “It’s a chance for him [Anderson] to really re-establish himself,” Warren stated. “Moses is fighting an American in Jermaine on Saturday. If he comes through that and if Jared can get a couple of wins under his belt, we’ll take Moses to America and maybe fight him there.”
Anderson is expected to make his debut under the Queensberry banner on the undercard of Fabio Wardley’s WBO heavyweight title defense against Daniel Dubois. His likely opponent is Sol Dacres. The 26-year-old Anderson has shown resilience, bouncing back from a fifth-round defeat to Martin Bakole with a unanimous decision win over Marios Kollias last February.
Itauma’s recent victory over former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in the opening round last August has further cemented his reputation as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. Franklin, on the other hand, has only tasted defeat against Whyte and Anthony Joshua, both of whom he took the distance.
Itauma, who has never been past six rounds as a professional, sees Franklin as the perfect opponent to answer lingering questions about his abilities. “I see more in Jermaine Franklin’s eyes than I’ve seen in a lot of my previous opponents,” Itauma said at Thursday’s final press conference. “So I know he’s ready and I’m going to be there. All the attributes that he possesses, there’s still question marks on myself. People are wondering if I’ve got a chin and people are wondering if I can go the distance. Jermaine Franklin, that’s what he’s known for. He’s known for taking people the distance, giving them tough fights. I feel like this is the final piece of the puzzle.”
As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s showdown, the boxing world eagerly awaits the potential clash between Itauma and Anderson on American soil, a bout that could shape the future of the heavyweight division.
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