Moses Itauma ended matters early and clean, stopping Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round after a fight that never looked competitive at any stage.
The heavyweight bout took place at the O2 Arena in London, where Itauma controlled the distance from the opening bell using quicker hands and sharper timing. Franklin tried to walk forward and apply pressure, but he struggled to land anything meaningful as Itauma picked him off with straight shots and short combinations. The pace and accuracy made it clear early that Franklin would need to absorb punishment just to stay in the fight.
The finish came in round five after a brief but decisive sequence. Itauma landed a right hook, then followed with a left hand that had Franklin visibly hurt near the one-minute mark. Sensing the opening, Itauma stepped in and delivered a left uppercut on the inside that left Franklin out on his feet, and he collapsed face-first to the canvas as the referee immediately waved it off.
Franklin had shown durability in past fights, but he could not close the distance or slow Itauma down here. The speed difference was constant, and the power eventually broke through in a way his previous opponents had not managed.
The stoppage marked the first time Franklin has been halted in his career, and it underlined how far apart the two fighters were on the night.
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Last Updated on 2026/03/28 at 7:02 PM
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