Moses Itauma Stops Jermaine Franklin in Fifth, Forces Rapid 2026 World-Title Push

Moses Itauma delivered a fifth-round knockout of Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live, the first time Franklin has been stopped.

“Briton Moses Itauma reinforced his status as one of heavyweight boxing's brightest stars with a destructive fifth-round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena”

BBC

Promoter Frank Warren said Itauma will be back in July and that a world-title fight is possible this year.

BBC

Around 16,000 fans packed into the Manchester arena bought into the Itauma buzz.

Media outlets describe this as a launchpad toward high-level title opportunity, not just another win.

Itauma's speed and precise combinations allowed him to methodically dismantle Franklin.

The Brit's movement was slick and he never wavered in coming forward.

ESPN

His chin has yet to be properly tested against bigger punches.

The atmosphere at Co-op Live was combustible as Itauma piled up power shots.

This victory cements Itauma as a leading British heavyweight prospect and accelerates talk of a world-title run.

“Saturday, 28 March 2026 23:15 Moses Itauma made another emphatic statement as the British heavyweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin”

MKFM

Some analysts compare his rise to Mike Tyson, underscoring the blockbuster potential of his next steps.

With Usyk and Wardley holding the four major belts, Itauma’s route would likely involve top-tier WBO/WBA opportunities.

This is seen as a signal that a new generation of heavyweights is emerging, not just a single standout win.

Promoter Warren has signaled a July return and a title tilt could be realized this year.

The belt landscape means Itauma would likely pursue WBO or WBA titles, with Usyk and Wardley currently controlling the top belts.

talkSPORT

The plan requires tougher tests beyond early rounds to demonstrate durable stamina.

At 21 and 14-0 with 12 knockouts, he is among the youngest to reach this stage and will be watched closely.