In the heart of Manchester, at the Co-op Live Arena, a night of thrilling heavyweight action unfolded on March 28. The Queensberry Promotions fight card promised excitement, and it delivered in spades. The main event featured the undefeated Moses Itauma squaring off against the seasoned Jermaine Franklin in a 10-round heavyweight contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Itauma, with a perfect record of 14-0 and 12 knockouts, entered the ring as the favorite. His previous bout saw him dispatch Dillian Whyte in a mere round, showcasing his devastating power. Franklin, with a record of 24-3 and 15 knockouts, was no slouch either, coming off a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Dychko. The stage was set for a clash of titans.
The fight began with Itauma displaying his blistering hand speed and pinpoint accuracy, setting a torrid pace that Franklin struggled to match. The second round saw Itauma landing eye-catching hooks, further establishing his dominance. By the end of the third round, a right hook from Itauma sent Franklin to the canvas, though the American managed to survive the round.
Franklin had a brief moment of respite in the fourth round, landing a couple of body shots that Itauma absorbed well. However, the fifth round sealed Franklin’s fate. A massive left uppercut from Itauma sent Franklin crashing to the canvas, and a follow-up right hand left the referee with no choice but to wave the fight off. Itauma secured a fifth-round TKO victory, becoming the first man to stop Franklin.
The undercard also provided its share of drama, particularly in the bout between Nathan Heaney and Gerome Warburton for the vacant WBA continental middleweight title. Heaney, the local favorite, started strong, establishing his jab and picking his shots well. Warburton, however, proved to be a worthy opponent, landing smart combinations and moving effectively.
As the rounds progressed, Heaney continued to apply pressure, but Warburton’s mobility and precise punching kept him in the fight. By the seventh round, Warburton seemed to find his groove, moving fluidly and firing off impressive combinations. The fight went the distance, and the scorecards read 98-92 and 97-93 twice, all in favor of Warburton, who became the new WBA continental middleweight champion.
The night in Manchester was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of boxing. Itauma’s triumph and Warburton’s upset victory reminded fans why they love the sport. As the dust settles, the boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in these fighters’ careers.
Team_TBE Boxing
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