Moses Itauma delivered a strong message to the heavyweight division by defeating Jermaine Franklin convincingly. Itauma, with a record of stopping 12 out of 14 opponents, achieved what renowned boxers Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte couldn’t do against Franklin, who managed to survive until the fifth round, the furthest Itauma had been pushed in his professional career.
The 21-year-old British boxer showcased his dominance from the opening bell, strategically attacking Franklin with precise combinations. Despite his initial attempts to secure an early knockout, Itauma adjusted his strategy and focused on body shots, eventually leading to a decisive victory.
Throughout the fight, Itauma displayed superior speed and accuracy, consistently landing powerful punches that had Franklin struggling to mount an effective offense. Itauma’s relentless assault culminated in a spectacular finish in the fifth round, where he landed a series of devastating blows that ended the fight conclusively in his favor.
In another match on the undercard, Willy Hutchinson emerged victorious in a highly anticipated bout against Ezra Taylor, securing his second win since his previous defeat. Additionally, Nathan Heaney faced a tough challenge against Gerome Warburton, suffering his second loss in his last five fights but vowing to have one final bout before retiring.
Brad Pauls created a major upset by defeating the previously undefeated Shakiel Thompson in the ninth round, showcasing resilience and skill in a remarkable comeback victory. Pauls’ triumph, despite being behind on the scorecards, demonstrated his determination and ability to seize opportunities in the ring.