Boxing
I am an unbeaten British fighter who has sparred both Itauma and Franklin - Here is how I think their heavyweight battle could go
Itauma vs Franklin: Subscribe to watch - March 28
John Hedges is perhaps the most qualified to discuss this Saturday’s heavyweight clash between Moses Itauma and Jermaine Franklin .
The pair meet in Manchester, live on DAZN , and victory for Itauma could see him line up a world title opportunity later in the year.
Itauma ready to prove himself in toughest test yet!
Watch behind the scenes at Itauma's training camp
First is the real threat of Franklin who arrives in Britian possessing a solid reputation as one of the most durable campaigners at heavyweight after going the distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
Since basing himself in Itauma’s country, a few weeks before the fight, Franklin has spent time at Don Charles' gym and one of the fighters he has been sparring is cruiserweight hope, Hedges.
The unbeaten star has not only spent time in the ring with Franklin, but he has sparred Itauma in the past to build more experience.
With the fight fast approaching, how does Hedges see the fight palying out once the first bell sounds this weekend.
“All depends on the mindset from the first second that bell goes. If Jermaine allows himself to be backed up, he’s aware of it, then Moses can take him out,” said Hedges when speaking to Seconds Ou t.
“However, if Jermaine remains switched on, which he’s capable of, he’s proved it at a high level; he’s a durable fighter.”
“The man’s tough. He’s definitely tough. I’ve hit him with some shots and he ain’t showing them so it all depends on the first second that bell goes. If Jermaine allows himself to be backed up, then it’s a Moses fight. If they meet in the middle and they have a face-off, then we’ll see.”
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin with a DAZN subscription
Knockout sensation Moses Itauma faces his toughest test against Jermaine Franklin this Saturday night, March 28. Watch exclusively with a DAZN Ultimate subscription to also get PPVs Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) included.
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