The wider picture
Moses Itauma, a rising star in the heavyweight boxing division, is on the verge of becoming the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title. At just 21 years old, Itauma has quickly made a name for himself in the sport, showcasing his skills and power in the ring. His recent fight against Jermaine Franklin at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on March 28, 2026, marked another milestone in his burgeoning career.
In this bout, Itauma demonstrated his prowess by knocking out Franklin in the fifth round. This victory improved his professional record to an impressive 14 wins, with 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Itauma’s performance against Franklin, who weighed in at 258.4 lbs and is 11 years his senior, further solidified his standing among the elite heavyweights.
Currently, Itauma is ranked No. 1 by both the WBO and WBA, No. 3 by the WBC, and No. 7 by the IBF. His physical attributes, standing at 6’4.5″ and weighing 242.1 lbs, contribute to his competitive edge in the ring. After the fight, Itauma expressed his ambitions, stating, “I’ve done something that other British heavyweights who have gone on to do great things didn’t do,” highlighting his determination to carve out his own legacy.
Franklin’s defeat has raised questions about his future in the sport, with Itauma’s promoter, Frank Warren, expressing confidence in Itauma’s trajectory. Warren stated, “I’m pretty confident he’ll fight for the world title this year,” indicating that Itauma’s next steps could lead him to a championship opportunity sooner rather than later.
Looking ahead, potential matchups with fellow contenders such as Fabio Wardley or Daniel Dubois are on the horizon. Itauma has expressed a desire to face top fighters, including Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, in the future. This ambition reflects his readiness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Observers of the boxing scene are keenly watching Itauma’s progress, as his combination of youth, skill, and ambition positions him as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. As he continues to build on his success, the boxing community is eager to see how his career unfolds.
With an attendance of 20,000 at the fight, the atmosphere in Manchester was electric, further underscoring Itauma’s growing popularity. As he continues to rise through the ranks, details remain unconfirmed regarding his next opponent, but the anticipation surrounding his future bouts is palpable.