In the vibrant city of Manchester, under the bright lights of the Co-Op Arena, a new chapter in heavyweight boxing was written. Moses Itauma, the southpaw sensation from Chatham, Kent, delivered a masterclass in power and precision, halting the out-of-shape Jermaine Franklin in a decisive fifth-round knockout. This victory not only retained Itauma’s WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title but also sent a clear message to the heavyweight division: a new force has arrived.
The bout, which headlined an 11-fight card on March 28, 2026, was a tale of two fighters. Franklin, tipping the scales at a hefty 258 ½ pounds, appeared sluggish and ill-prepared for the challenge ahead. From the opening bell, Itauma, boasting an impressive record of 14-0 with 12 knockouts, dictated the pace, boxing carefully and methodically cutting off the ring.
Franklin’s defensive posture and lack of offensive output made him an easy target for Itauma’s calculated assault. The third round saw Franklin taste the canvas for the first time, courtesy of a short overhead right hand from Itauma. Despite the warning signs, Franklin’s corner could do little to change the tide of the fight. The end came swiftly in the fifth round, with a devastating left uppercut followed by a right-hand combination that sent Franklin face-first onto the canvas, unconscious and defeated.
Referee Steve Gray waved off the bout at 1:33 of the fifth round, mercifully ending Franklin’s night. The Saginaw, Michigan native’s record now stands at 24-3 with 15 knockouts, a stark contrast to Itauma’s unblemished record. Itauma’s performance was a testament to his readiness for bigger challenges. The question now is not if, but when, the other major heavyweights will step up to face this rising star.
The undercard at Co-Op Live Arena also delivered its share of excitement. Liam Davies secured a referee’s technical decision victory over Francesco Grandelli, claiming the WBO Inter-Continental and vacant EBU European Featherweight titles. Willy Hutchinson outpointed Ezra Taylor in a 10-round decision to win the vacant WBO Global regional Light Heavyweight title. Brad Pauls and Gerome Warburton also emerged victorious in their respective bouts, adding to the night’s triumphs.
As the dust settles on this memorable night in Manchester, one thing is clear: Moses Itauma is steamrolling through the heavyweight division, and the boxing world is taking notice. The future of heavyweight boxing has never looked brighter, and Itauma is leading the charge.
Team_TBE Boxing
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