Itauma vs Franklin: Moses Itauma wins step-up fight with crushing fifth round stoppage

The nearly 16,000 fans who packed the Manchester arena were caught up in Itauma’s enthusiasm and were greeted with a warm roar by British rapper Meekz as he walked to the ring.

Prodigy Itauma, who sparred with seasoned pros while still at school, was in great form from the first bell and used his speed and variability to track Franklin down the stretch.

In fact, a knockout was inevitable, even though the 32-year-old Franklin was dodged with a right hand and fell to the ground in the third round.

Working behind an innings and choosing his shots wisely, Itauma avoided anything reckless. “It’s a breakdown job,” trainer Ben Davison aptly told him between rounds.

This was another night that got us excited and gave us a little more insight into the rising heavyweight.

Itauma’s destructive power is undeniable; was on display once again as he destroyed an experienced opponent in the first half of the fight.

But bigger questions remain.

His jaw has not yet been properly tested. Franklin landed a right in the fourth round and Itauma just smiled but will face bigger punches in the future.

While the knockouts keep coming, he still hasn’t proven himself beyond six rounds, without his engine and durability being tested at the highest level.

Promoter Warren expects Itauma to challenge for the world title this year.

This may be a little early talk in boxing circles, but Itauma is keeping up with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.

At the same stage of his career Joshua was selling out the O2 Arena as he recorded his 14th stoppage time, beating Gary Cornish. Itauma is on a similar route, nearly filling out the Co-op Live Arena and likely facing higher-level opponents along the way.

Joshua’s most significant rise came in his 15th fight: beating Dillian Whyte for the British title, improving his resolve and boosting his profile.

At the age of 17, he became world champion by defeating Charles Martin.