Moses Itauma sent a strong message to the heavyweight division by defeating Jermaine Franklin decisively. Itauma, with an impressive record of stopping 12 out of his 14 opponents, achieved what Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t, stopping Franklin in a fight that lasted until the fifth round, a longer duration than Itauma had experienced previously.
The 21-year-old British boxer showcased his dominance by dropping Franklin in the third round and later commenting on his strategy, stating that he initially aimed for an early knockout but adjusted to focus on body shots, ultimately leading to the decisive victory.
Throughout the match, Itauma controlled the pace, displaying speed and precision with well-executed combinations. He effectively targeted Franklin’s body and temple, demonstrating superior boxing skills. Despite Franklin’s efforts, he struggled to counter Itauma’s relentless attacks and was eventually knocked down in the third round.
Itauma maintained his composure and continued to outclass Franklin, eventually ending the fight in the fifth round with a powerful left uppercut followed by a decisive right hand that sent Franklin crashing to the canvas.
In other bouts of the night, Willy Hutchinson secured a victory over Ezra Taylor, Nathan Heaney faced defeat against Gerome Warburton, and Brad Pauls pulled off a remarkable upset by stopping the previously unbeaten Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round. Pauls, who had only fought once since his loss to Denzel Bentley, staged a remarkable comeback in the fight, showcasing his resilience and determination.
The event offered thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes, captivating the audience with intense displays of skill and sportsmanship.