In the latest instalment of the rapid rise of heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma 14-0 (12 Ko’s) saw the Chatham based 21 year old stop the durable and well travelled Jermaine Franklin Jr 24-3 (15 Ko’s) in the 5th round at the Co-op live arena in Manchester Uk. Itauma started fast, pushing the experienced Franklin back with steady pressure, feints and well mounted two phased assaults. Moses made a breakthrough in the third, with 20 seconds left in the round, showing a slick feint before landing a rapid left hook right hand that would leave the American face down. Franklin survived the patient assault with now in complete control. Moses set traps throughout the fourth and appeared to be finding Jermaine’s measure.
Exactly half way through the fifth, Itauma created a gap to throw a quick left uppercut, the shot stunned Franklin, who slumped forward only to catch a token right hand on his way to the canvas. Referee Steve Grey called off the action at 1.33 of the round. It’s blatantly evident now that Itauma is proving himself as the real deal, revealing an impressive and creative armoury each time out. Franklin was provided to offer tough rounds, yet suffered the same fate of Whyte, Mckean and all else who fell in front of the tenacious young prospect. Itauma is showing the patience and maturity that could cause trouble for anyone in the division, inclusive of Usyk, Fury, Wardley, Joshua. It’s likely that Moses will face WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev next, a victory would put him in immediate line for a shot at the WBA super title, held by Oleksandr Usyk.