MOSES ITAUMA delivered another chilling statement as he brutally stopped Jermaine Franklin – leaving even those at ringside stunned.
The 21-year-old heavyweight sensation was in the ring longer than usual due to the toughness of Franklin, but still produced a brutal uppercut KO that had fans and commentators in disbelief.
A stunned Darren Barker joked on commentary and said the finish was so devastating “his cornerman is concussed” – summing up the sheer force of Itauma’s finishing blow.
Franklin, who had never been dropped or stopped before, came to Manchester determined to test the hype – and for a few rounds, he did just that.
The American took Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte the distance, in previous bouts.
However, the Chatham southpaw made sure that didn’t happen this time as he controlled the tempo with sharp jabs and thudding left hands to both head and body, steadily breaking Franklin down.
In the third round, the breakthrough arrived.
A crisp hook sent Franklin to the canvas – a rare sight for a man who had previously gone the distance with elite names.
To his credit, he sprang back up and continued swinging, refusing to roll over.
Yet the writing was on the wall.
By the fifth, Itauma had found his rhythm – and his moment.
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A vicious uppercut exploded through Franklin’s guard, snapping his head back and ending the contest in brutal fashion.
The arena erupted as the referee waved it off, while fans online were just as emphatic in their verdict.
One wrote: “He hit Franklin so hard, his brain couldn’t comprehend what he had just been hit with. The power, the speed, the athleticism. Everything. Moses Itauma is the one.”
Another added: “Future world champion, no doubt.”
A third said: “MOSES ITAUMA ERA.”
For Itauma, it was another step forward – rounds in the bank, a proven opponent conquered, and a finish that will only fuel the growing belief.
The hype train isn’t slowing down and now promoter Frank Warren and team Itauma believe they can compete against the best of the best in boxing.
