Moses Itauma delivered a stern message to the heavyweight division by dominating Jermaine Franklin in a standout performance.
Itauma, boasting a remarkable record of stopping 12 out of his 14 opponents, achieved what prominent British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t by halting Franklin before the fifth round, surpassing his own previous professional performance.
The 21-year-old British fighter showcased his prowess by flooring the American in the third round. Reflecting on his victory, Itauma expressed, “I accomplished something that some of the successful British heavyweights didn’t. While I aimed for an early knockout, I adjusted my strategy and focused on body shots, eventually securing the knockout.”
From the onset, Itauma took command of the fight, methodically pursuing Franklin around the ring. With precise strikes to the body and head, Itauma’s speed posed challenges for Franklin, who struggled to counter effectively. Despite a spirited response from Franklin, Itauma’s relentless assault led to a knockdown in the third round.
Maintaining his dominance, Itauma continued to land punishing blows to Franklin’s body and head, exhibiting superior technique. With little resistance from the American, Itauma further asserted his control by dropping Franklin with a powerful right hook towards the end of the third round.
While Itauma seemed content to prolong the bout, Franklin’s fate was sealed in the fifth round as he succumbed to a devastating left uppercut followed by a decisive right hand, ending the fight abruptly.
On the undercard, Willy Hutchinson secured a victory against Ezra Taylor, marking Taylor’s first defeat. Nathan Heaney faced disappointment as he was outpointed by Gerome Warburton, signaling his intention to retire after one final fight. In a surprising upset, Brad Pauls halted the unbeaten Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round, showcasing a remarkable comeback after a previous defeat.
For updated news and personalized content, make Daily Mirror your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.