Moses Itauma made another emphatic statement as the British-Nigerian heavyweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin, in their clash on Saturday night in Manchester, Sky Sports reports.
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were both taken the distance in points wins in Franklin’s two previous visits to the UK but the durable American was brutally taken out midway through the fifth round by Itauma.
Having knocked his opponent down in the third, Itauma closed the show in spectacular fashion a couple of rounds later, following up a punishing left uppercut with a right hand that saw Franklin crash to the canvas face first.
Referee Steve Gray immediately waved off the contest as Itauma bowed to the sold-out Co-op Live Arena crowd after moving to 14-0, which will only amplify calls for the 21-year-old to fight for a world title next.
Itauma admitted Franklin was the “final piece of the puzzle” before a world title fight – Oleksandr Usyk and Fabio Wardley hold the four major belts between them – and the Michigan man was lined up as an opponent for his robustness.
While Franklin absorbed some stinging blows throughout to get some rounds into the legs of Itauma, there was a major gulf in class, with the youngster displaying his superior speed, footwork and all-round ringcraft.
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Itauma quickly got to work, landing several southpaw lefts that rocked Franklin’s head back although the underdog remained upright.
Itauma had stopped his last nine opponents inside two rounds and even though Franklin made it past that benchmark, he soaked up another big left, sticking out his tongue before rallying in the final few seconds.
Franklin received an eight count towards the end of the the next round after a short right hook behind his ear, having momentarily taken his eye off Itauma when backed up against the ropes.
He recovered well into the fourth but the end came in savage fashion in the next round as Itauma gained another highlight-reel knockout to the delight of the crowd.
Itauma was born in Slovakia in the town of Kežmarok to a Nigerian father and Slovak mother.
He and his family experienced racism in Slovakia stating, “Me and my brothers got racially abused. It wasn’t a good place to be.”
Finally, the family decided to move to England. He was the last person in the family to move to England which was in 2008.
Itauma had an unbeaten amateur career, turning professional with a record of 24 wins with 11 wins by knockout.
