Itauma Stops Franklin in Fifth Round, Eyes Usyk

Moses Itauma, 21, stopped 32‑year‑old Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round with a clean uppercut, turning the bout into a showcase of his 86% knockout rate. The British prospect, who had survived a third‑round knockdown, was unable to recover after the decisive blow, ending Franklin’s 27‑fight unbeaten streak.

With 12 stoppages in 14 professional fights, Itauma now sits in several world‑title rankings and has expressed a desire to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the heavyweight will return in July, while Itauma said he will “sit and wait my turn.”