Many have doubted young Moses' readiness to step in with the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, but would a win against Franklin erase the skepticism?
Moses Itauma’s next step up isn’t about belts — it’s about legitimacy. On January 24 in Manchester, the 20‑year‑old southpaw meets veteran Jermaine Franklin in a fight meant to answer whether Itauma’s power still looks the same when the other man doesn’t fold. Franklin, 32, is nobody’s warm‑up. He’s shared rounds with Dillian Whyte, Anthony Joshua, and Otto Wallin — the kind of company that teaches composure under fire. He doesn’t come to trade recklessly; he comes to test pacing, chin, and patience. He’s been the longer man, been the smaller man, and he’s still never been run over early. Itauma’s handlers know it. That’s exactly why they signed this one. Franklin Brings Rounds, Not Panic Franklin’s not a one‑punch artist. His danger comes from durability — high guard, rolling under overhands, wearing opponents out by sheer resistance. He told The RIng that he studies classic tape: Joe Louis balance, Larry Holmes jab, Bowe’s rhythm. Old‑school habits. He said this week that his goal is to “stay adaptable, not predictable.” Translation: he’ll give ground if he has to, tie Itauma up inside, make the kid breathe heavy. That’s valuable resistance for Moses Itauma, who so far has blasted through everything placed in front of him. Eleven stoppages in thirteen fights, most inside three rounds. That record looks clean because no one’s made him work. Franklin can. If the American stays upright past six, he gives Itauma the kind of rounds no heavy bag has ever offered. Itauma’s To‑Do List For Itauma, this isn’t about highlight reels—it’s about managing rhythm and distance against someone who won’t freeze. He needs to pace his pressure, not smother it. Franklin likes to bait southpaws into overcommitting before looping that counter right. The young prospect must jab his way in, vary the tempo, and close rounds strong instead of spending early power. The British southpaw’s raw tools are obvious—strong base, quick lead hook, and fluid combinations for a man of his size—but this fight will judge his endurance and shot selection more than his knockout punch. No title, no eliminator, just education. Every rising heavyweight hits this point — the first night where the opponent won’t crumble on script. Franklin’s job is to ask real questions. Itauma’s job is to solve them before the bell does.
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