Moses Itauma beats down durable Jermaine Franklin in knockout win

Landing the final blow in the fifth round, Itauma wore his opponent down, sending him to the canvas in the third before finishing off Franklin two sessions later, inflicting the first stoppage defeat of Franklin’s career.

For those thousands in attendance, it was a performance to behold, and one which launches Itauma into sporting superstardom.

How Itauma beat down Franklin for knockout finish

Itauma begin his attack by targeting Franklin’s body, two lefts put the British southpaw in charge.

A swinging right had the crowd in awe, and while Franklin’s corner was urging their man into the centre of the ring, Itauma had him backed up and methodically picked his shots with serious spite.

The closing seconds of the first saw the 21-year-old land two successive right-left combinations and Franklin was already on the ropes.

The second saw Franklin attempt to take the fight to Itauma, but his attempted swings to the body were easily blocked.

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Moses Itauma becomes boxing superstar with destructive knockout

Watch Itauma vs. Franklin fight highlights

 

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A thumping Itauma right dug into Franklin’s mid riff, but he still stood in front of his foe who pressed on. Backed on to the ropes, Franklin attempted to gain his opponent’s respect by throwing some shots, albeit none landed.

Itauma’s right hand had Franklin in trouble in round three. The American was trying his best to force Itauma back off the ropes, but with every jab, Itauma went on the front foot and made him a sitting duck.

The first knockdown came with around 25 seconds to go, a left faint, followed by a right hand had Franklin down, but he managed to meet the referee’s count.

In the fourth session, Itauma kept up the intensity, and the crowd backed it up with chants of ‘Moses Itauma’, making the Co-op Live a bear pit for what was becoming a beatdown.

Franklin landed a rare jab, which had little effect. But he did hit Itauma with a right hand of his own, and for the first time in the fight, Franklin had some success.

The knockout blow came in round five when Itauma hit a left uppercut, leaving Franklin emotionless before finishing him off with a straight right with 87 seconds remaining on the clock.

The crowd went into raptures following the finish, and Itauma bowed to the crowd, knowing he put on a performance fitting for a superstar.

Itauma is boxing's next big superstar, no doubt

Reaction from ringside with DAZN News Sports Writer Matt Astbury

Questions were answered, Itauma showcased what he can do past the early rounds, and did not get caught in the headlights following the first knockdown in round three.

Instead of going reckless in search of the kill, Itauma continued to be methodical with his shot selection.

Franklin deserves praise for attempting to stay in there for as long as he can, but there is only so much punishment he was able to absorb before it proved too much.

For Itauma, the sky is the limit. A big fight in the summer will be on the agenda, whether it be for a world title, or against the likes of Lawrence Okolie or interim WBC champion Agit Kabayel.

One thing is for certain, boxing has a real heavyweight superstar on their hands who at the age of 21, can be the face of the sport for years to come.

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