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Moses Itauma hopes to take his next step towards a world heavyweight title this evening, as he fights Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
Itauma is seen as one of Britain’s top prospects in boxing, with the 21-year-old having already built a 13-0 professional record including 11 knockouts.
• Follow Itauma vs Franklin LIVE as young British heavyweight takes crucial next step
Last time out, he made remarkably short work of Dillian Whyte, stopping the veteran in just 119 seconds in Saudi Arabia. But the Kent youngster is back on home soil tonight, taking on an American opponent in Manchester.
Moses Itauma (left) and Jermaine Franklin at their weigh-in (Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) actually has his own history with Whyte, having lost a controversial decision to the Briton in 2022 before losing to Anthony Joshua on points in 2023. Yet those defeats are the only losses of the 32-year-old’s career, and he is seen as a sensible test for Itauma, whose injury in January forced this bout to be pushed back by two months.
Here’s all you need to know.
When is the fight?
Itauma vs Franklin will take place on Saturday 28 March at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The main card is due to begin at 5pm GMT (10am PT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET), with main-event ring walks expected from 10pm GMT (3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The event will stream live exclusively on DAZN worldwide. You can purchase a DAZN subscription here, with plans starting at £15.99 per month.
Odds
Itauma is a short-priced favourite on all the major betting sites to win tonight’s bout, with Franklin a massive underdog, according to the bookies.
Itauma - 1/20
Franklin - 10/1
Draw - 20/1
Odds via Betway as of Monday 23 March
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Fight card in full
Subject to change
Itauma made short work of Dillian Whyte in August (Getty Images)Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin (heavyweight)
Gerome Warburton def. Nathan Heaney via unanimous decision
Willy Hutchinson def. Ezra Taylor via unanimous decision
Brad Pauls def. Shakiel Thompson via ninth-round TKO
Liam Davies def. Francesco Grandelli via sixth-round TKO (retired)
Josh Holmes def. Alex Murphy via first-round TKO
Michael Gomez Jr def. Jordan Flynn via third-round TKO
Nelson Birchall def. Ryan Griffiths via ninth-round TKO
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