Moses Itauma continued his fast climb through the heavyweight division with a fifth-round stoppage of Jermain Franklin, improving to 14-0 (12 KOs), while Franklin dropped to 24-3 (15 KOs).
From the opening round, the difference in speed and sharpness was evident. Itauma set the tone early, working behind the jab and using quick combinations forcing Franklin onto the back foot. Franklin struggled to match the tempo and spent much of the fight reacting rather than initiating.
The first knocked down came with 20 seconds left in the third round when Itauma landed a temple shot on Franklin that put him down . Franklin beat the count and managed to survive the round, but the tone of the fight had already been set.
The fourth round was more of the same , Itauma working behind the Jab setting up hooks and keeping a fast pace. The end came in the fifth. Itauma closed the distance and landed a clean uppercut that snapped Franklin's head back, prompting the referee to wave the fight off before Franklin hit the canvas. It was a composed and clinical finish from the young heavyweight.
For Franklin, the loss likely positions him as a gate keeper in the division , a good test for rising contenders. For Itauma, the trajectory continues upward. His combination of speed, timing, and composure at this stage has already drawn attention, with some linking him as a potential future opponent for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
At just 14 fights into his career, Itauma has quickly climbed the Heavyweight ranks and has now positioned himself to be a world champion. With performances like this , he may not be far from the next level.
