By Rosemary
Rising British heavyweight Moses Itauma continues to generate excitement across the boxing world, drawing comparisons to a young Mike Tyson as he dismantles opponents with remarkable speed and power.
At just 21 years old, Itauma has compiled an unbeaten record of 13 victories, including 11 knockouts, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous prospects in the division. His aggressive style and clinical finishing ability have seen his last nine opponents fail to make it beyond the second round, underscoring his reputation as a fast-rising force.
Among his most eye-catching performances was a dominant stoppage of Dillian Whyte, a seasoned contender who was overwhelmed in under two minutes. That emphatic victory further fueled discussions about how quickly Itauma could ascend to world title contention, with some already speculating about a future clash with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds multiple major belts.
Before any such opportunity can materialize, however, Itauma faces what is widely regarded as the sternest test of his young career. On Saturday night in Manchester, he is set to meet American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin Jr. in a scheduled 10-round bout that could provide crucial answers about his readiness for the sport’s elite level.
Franklin, 32, brings experience, durability, and proven resilience into the ring. Holding a professional record of 24 wins and two defeats, with 15 knockouts, he has built a reputation for pushing top fighters to their limits. Notably, he went the full 12-round distance with former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua, demonstrating both toughness and composure under pressure. His only other loss came in a closely contested majority decision against Whyte, also over 12 rounds.
Speaking ahead of the bout, Itauma acknowledged the significance of the challenge in front of him, emphasizing that his immediate focus remains firmly on Franklin rather than potential future opponents.
“I feel like Jermaine Franklin is the final piece of the puzzle,” Itauma said. “There’s no point talking about other fighters if I don’t get through him first.”
Standing 6-foot-2 and fighting from a southpaw stance, Itauma blends explosive punching power with impressive hand speed and fluid footwork. Since turning professional three years ago with a 23-second knockout victory, he has rarely been extended, with only two fights going the distance—both six-round contests in 2023.
Despite his dominance, questions remain about his ability to withstand adversity against a durable opponent. Some critics have pointed to the age and mileage of recent opponents, including Poland’s Mariusz Wach and American Mike Balogun, both of whom were in their 40s, as well as the 37-year-old Whyte.
Itauma, however, welcomes the scrutiny and believes Franklin presents the ideal opponent to silence any lingering doubts.
“People are wondering if I’ve got a chin or if I can go the distance,” he said. “Jermaine Franklin is known for taking fighters the distance and giving them tough nights. He’s 32, he’s active, and he’s coming to win. This is a real test.”
Franklin, who hails from Saginaw, Michigan, enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak since his loss to Joshua in April 2023. While widely viewed as the underdog, he has made it clear that he does not intend to play the role of a stepping stone.
“I feel disrespected, but that’s part of the game,” Franklin said. “I’ve been around long enough to understand how this works. I’m ready to fight and show what I can do.”
The bout had originally been scheduled for January but was postponed after Itauma suffered a biceps injury during training, delaying what many see as a pivotal moment in his development.
Beyond the ring, Itauma’s story reflects a diverse background. Born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother, he moved with his family to southeast England at a young age. The relocation, he has previously explained, was partly influenced by the challenges his family faced with racism during their time in Slovakia.
Despite those experiences, Itauma maintains a connection to his birthplace, returning annually to spend time with his maternal relatives.
Known for his calm demeanor, Itauma has largely avoided the theatrics and verbal sparring that often accompany high-profile fights. His quiet confidence has instead been expressed through his performances in the ring, where his composure and efficiency have drawn widespread attention.
Saturday’s contest, scheduled to take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, will be broadcast globally, with the undercard beginning in the early evening and the main event expected later in the night. For Itauma, the fight represents more than just another victory opportunity—it is a chance to prove he belongs among boxing’s emerging elite and to take a significant step toward a world title shot.