Moses Itauma’s infamous run continued on Saturday, as the rising heavyweight star knocked out Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
Itauma, 21, became the first boxer to knock out Franklin when he stopped the American in the fifth round, improving his record to 14-0 with a 12th stop.
The crowd at the Co-op Live arena was packed to see if Itauma could pass his latest test, and the British prospect did so with flying colours, dropping Franklin in the third round and stopping him in the fifth.
The first knockdown came courtesy of a short right hand to the top of Franklin’s head, as southpaw Atama pinned the American in the corner. Franklin, 32, beat the referee’s count and survived the final 15 seconds of the round, and he also came out of his shell in the fourth frame, dialling up his offence after Atama’s blistering start.
However, the fifth round abruptly ended Franklin’s defiance, as a back uppercut completely froze the American, followed by Itauma’s right hand on his weakened opponent. The referee stopped the fight before the 10 count was over.
Moses Etoma does it again.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 23:12
Moses Itauma moves to 14-0 with a 12th KO win.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 23:08
Frank Warren: What’s Next for Moses Atoma?
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 23:03
Musa Atuma speaks after the latest KO win.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:57
Moses Atuma becomes the first man to KO Jermaine Franklin.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:53
Who does Musa Etoma want to fight next?
“To be perfectly honest with you, I wanted to see [Filip] Hurgovich fight, but he’s fighting Dave Allen, so…
“We’ll reassess our options, evaluate the available fighters, and determine our next steps.”
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:49
When will Musa Etoma return? Frank Warren answers this question.
Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren says a July return is likely for the young heavyweight.
It turns out that it won’t be against the winner of Wardley vs DuBois in May, as that would be too tough for that fighter.
Warren anticipates a mandatory defence for Oleksandr Usyk if he defeats Rico Verhoeven in May.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:46
Moses Itauma reacts to his stoppage win over Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma: “I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the Manchester crowd; I’ve had a great time.
“Man, I’m happy to win; the Lord is good! This is where I won my first national title.
“I’ve done something that other British heavyweights – who have been doing outstanding things – haven’t been able to do.
“It takes two to tango, so I’m appreciative. [of Franklin].
‘I tried to knock him out in the first, second round – tried to make some people dough – but I just thought, “Ah, maybe not today.”‘
“I changed it up, went to the body; it’s not the shots you load with, it’s the shots you don’t see.
“I’m just a young guy chasing a dream.”
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:44
Moses Atama vs. Jermaine Franklin in round five
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:42
Moses Atama vs. Jermaine Franklin in round five
Franklin’s cornerman complained about the stoppage, as the American boxer was knocked out for the first time, but it was 100 per cent the correct call by the referee.
You can watch the official below, with Franklin even going down to make sure Itauma doesn’t take any extra hits.
The referee then gave Franklin a few seconds to recover, but he had seen enough.
Alex Petal, March 28, 2026, 22:39
