Moses Itauma sent a strong message to the heavyweight division by defeating Jermaine Franklin decisively. Itauma, with an impressive record of stopping 12 out of 14 opponents in his professional career, achieved what Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t do by stopping Franklin, who managed to last until the fifth round – a longer duration than Itauma had experienced in previous fights.
The 21-year-old British boxer showcased his dominance by dropping Franklin in the third round and expressing his satisfaction with the performance. Itauma admitted attempting to secure a quick knockout in the early rounds but adjusted his strategy to focus on body shots, ultimately leading to the decisive victory.
Throughout the fight, Itauma controlled the pace, effectively landing powerful combinations on Franklin. His speed and accuracy troubled Franklin, who struggled to mount a significant offense. Itauma’s precise punches to the body and temple kept Franklin on the defensive, culminating in a knockdown in the third round and a final knockout in the fifth.
On the undercard, Willy Hutchinson claimed victory over Ezra Taylor in a closely watched match, while Nathan Heaney faced defeat against Gerome Warburton despite strong support from his fans. Brad Pauls caused an upset by defeating the previously unbeaten Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring.
In summary, Itauma’s impressive performance, along with the other notable outcomes of the night, provided an exciting display of talent and determination in the boxing world.