Moses Itauma made another emphatic statement as the British heavyweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were both taken the distance in points wins in Franklin’s two previous visits to the UK but the durable American was brutally taken out midway through the fifth round in Manchester by Itauma.
Having knocked his opponent down in the third, Itauma closed the show in spectacular fashion a couple of rounds later, following up a punishing left uppercut with a right hand that saw Franklin crash to the canvas face first.
Referee Steve Gray immediately waved off the contest as Itauma bowed to the sold-out Co-op Live Arena crowd after moving to 14-0, which will only amplify calls for the 21-year-old to fight for a world title next.
Itauma, speaking on DAZN, said: “Thank you very much to the great Manchester crowd, I’ve had a lovely time.
“I’m happy to get the win. I’ve enjoyed my stay in Manchester, this is actually where I won my first national title. We come here seven years later, I’m picking up a win over Franklin.
“I’ve got to thank Franklin for giving me this opportunity, it takes two to tango. I appreciate it.
“I don’t know what to say, the Lord is good. I tried to knock him out in the first or second round, but maybe not today. So I went back to the basics, and the knockout just came.
“When I first turned professional, I thought I would win titles but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I’m just a young boy chasing a dream.”
More to follow.
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