Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old heavyweight boxer, has rapidly gained attention in the boxing world, showcasing considerable talent and potential against mostly limited opposition. With a record of 13 fights, he has stopped 11 of his opponents, including a stunning knockout of Dillian Whyte in just one round in August 2025. Itauma’s handlers emphasize that quality over quantity is crucial for a developing heavyweight, and his performance thus far supports this claim.
On March 28, 2026, Itauma is set to face Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live in Manchester, United Kingdom. Franklin, who has only lost twice in 24 fights—both by points to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte—poses a significant challenge for Itauma. This matchup was originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, but was postponed due to an injury sustained by Itauma.
The anticipation surrounding the fight is palpable, with ring-walks for the main event expected to begin around 11 p.m. GMT, following an undercard that starts at approximately 5 p.m. GMT. Observers are eager to see how Itauma will perform against a more seasoned opponent like Franklin.
In a recent statement, Itauma expressed confidence in his abilities, saying, “Let’s say I surpass Franklin… I don’t think that’s bad going.” He also noted, “Having 13 fights and having Dillian Whyte, Demsey McKean and Mariusz Wach on your record, I think that’s not bad for somebody that’s been professional three years.” This reflects his belief in the strength of his competition thus far.
As Itauma prepares for this crucial bout, he currently ranks as the WBA’s No. 1 contender and No. 3 with the WBC. His rapid ascent in the rankings has drawn attention from other fighters, including Murat Gassiev, who recently won the WBA ‘Regular’ title. Gassiev’s coach, Anton Kadushin, stated, “We won’t avoid him,” indicating that Itauma’s success has not gone unnoticed.
With only 354 seconds spent in the ring since the start of 2025, Itauma’s efficiency in finishing fights has been remarkable. His upcoming match against Franklin will be a significant test of his skills and readiness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
As the fight date approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Itauma can continue his winning streak and solidify his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division. The outcome of this fight could have major implications for both fighters’ careers moving forward.