Itauma vs Franklin LIVE!
Moses Itauma made another emphatic statement as the British heavyweight prospect became the first fighter to stop Jermaine Franklin in Manchester.
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 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.
That's all, folks
23:00 , Oli GentThanks for joining us on Standard Sport. A great night’s worth of boxing.
Be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE action.
Who will Itauma fight next?
22:53 , Oli GentDubois? Wardley? Usyk?
“If I’m being completely honest, I wanted the Hrgovic fight,” Itauma said afterwards.
“But he’s fighting Dave Allen. I don’t know. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see who’s there. We’ll be back soon.”
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 5
22:35 , Oli GentThat’s it!
Second time is the charm, and it’s 14-0 with a fifth-round knockout. A beautiful shot, timed to perfection as he dispatches Franklin ruthlessly.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 4
22:32 , Oli GentFranklin is cornered, knowing he can’t throw or else he gets countered. He does eventually respond with two accurate body shots, and Itauma keeps the pressure on.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 3
22:28 , Oli GentA big swing and a miss from Franklin in the early knockings of the third. Itauma is trying to trap him in the neutral corner, but the American is wily with it and evades danger... but he’s not avoided that one! He goes down with 20 seconds to go as Itauma lands a temple shot with the right after raining down on the body.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 1
22:24 , Oli GentA blistering start from the Slovakian-born Itauma. His speed and trickiness is so hard for his opponents to keep up with. He backs Franklin up against the ropes with seconds to go, and lands a flush uppercut.
Itauma vs Franklin: Round 1
22:20 , Oli GentFranklin walks into a huge left inside 20 seconds and is wobbled. Even that inch and a half height difference makes Itauma look like a giant in there. There’s an air of confidence about the 21 year old. He’s flicking the jab quickly, looking at the body before going upstairs.
Tale of the tape
22:12 , Oli Gent21 year old Itauma is 11 years Franklin’s junior.
He weighed in at 242.1lbs compared to the veteran’s 258.4lbs, while Itauma is an inch and a half taller at 6’4.5”.
He also has a two inch reach advantage.
Here come the fighters...
22:10 , Oli GentFranklin first, and now it’s time for Itauma...
Time for the main event
22:03 , Oli GentItauma vs Franklin. Coming next.
That winning feeling
21:58 , Oli Gent𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 🥰
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
Gerome Warburton and son celebrate a 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐄 win 👏#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/GK4lo5pM4p
Warburton takes it!
21:53 , Oli GentThe underdog with the upset, 98-92, 97-93, 97-93!
He takes the WBA Continental middleweight championship!
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 10
21:51 , Oli GentWarburton celebrates, and he thinks he’s won it! He had the final rounds most definitely. Did Heaney do enough early on? To the judges we go.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 9
21:48 , Oli GentWarburton is up now, knowing that he is ahead on the scorecards. Heaney is trying to come back desperately, looking for those heavy shots, but he seems very, very tired.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 8
21:43 , Oli GentTwo to go as Heaney’s nose streams with blood. The younger Warburton is giving him plenty of problems with his movement and his bounce, popping in and out of the pocket.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 7
21:39 , Oli GentWarburton has really boxed well in these last couple of rounds. Heaney is breathing heavily through his mouth, with his nose looking a little busted...
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 6
21:36 , Oli GentStill plenty of time to go here as Heaney continues to go hunting. Warburton is giving him nothing, however, as the pair continue to battle it out.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 5
21:30 , Oli GentIt’s close as we reach halfway in this bout. Heaney is looking the aggressor, pushing the pace, but Warburton is doing a good job of landing and reacting on the counter.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 4
21:27 , Oli GentA slugfest of a round so far. Heaney is chasing Warburton aroud the ring, looking for that power shot. Good action to end the fourth as the Welshman looks for a flourish of his own.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 3
21:23 , Oli GentA good straight from Warburton catches Heaney’s chin, and the Welshman is having a good round here, but Heaney sneaks a right of his own through the guard on the bell.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 2
21:20 , Oli GentThere’s a real reach advantage for Heaney here and he’s looking to take full advantage of it here, keeping Warburton at range. The smaller man beckons Heaney on as the Stoke fighter looks to mix things up.
Heaney vs Warburton: Round 1
21:15 , Oli GentHeaney is pumped up and ready for this one, looking to lead with his stiff jab. He’s really using his broad back muscles and his long legs to help drive his punches into his opponent, aiming downstairs and then up.
Up next
21:08 , Oli GentThe first of the two big ones.
Nathan Heaney takes on Gerome Warburton in the co-main event.
Heaney has the arena on its feet with his ‘Delilah’ ring walk.
Here we go.
Hutchinson takes it!
20:52 , Oli GentBy unanimous decision, he wins the grudge match.
Classy display throughout as Willy Hutchinson takes a wide-decision victory over Ezra Taylor 👏
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
99-91, 98-92 & 98-92 📝#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/uEVWLKmEk5
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 10
20:45 , Oli GentHutchinson raises his arms in celebration, and he knows full well that he has won this one. Some strong left hooks from Nottingham-born fighter, and he takes a huge victory here.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 9
20:41 , Oli GentTaylor is seeing his opportunity slide away. He is doing everything he possibly can, but Hutchinson is just outclassing him at present.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 8
20:36 , Oli GentMore aggression from Taylor as Hutchinson continues to move slick. His coach isn’t happy with him, however, telling him to get his hands up and get back in the driving seat.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 7
20:32 , Oli GentReally good work from Hutchinson to soak up pressure from Taylor, who looks to rain down shots as he gets his opponent up against the ropes. Still, Hutchinson is managing to stay out of range.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 6
20:29 , Oli GentA good left from Taylor, catching Hutchinson on the side of the head. He’s looking a bit more relaxed with four rounds to go.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 5
20:24 , Oli GentTaylor needs to loosen up a bit, he’s looking stiff in there. Hutchinson has produced some strong boxing so far. Can Taylor respond?
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 4
20:20 , Oli GentBetter from Taylor, looking to keep Hutchinson at bay. Hutchinson is looking to plant that front foot and land some solid shots, but Taylor is hanging in.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 3
20:16 , Oli GentSome classy movement from Hutchinson who is beginning to enjoy himself in there. Can Taylor keep the pace?
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 2
20:12 , Oli GentBoth are letting their hands go as the fight begins to open up early. Taylor swings for the heavens and is met with a similar reply from Hutchinson.
Taylor vs Hutchinson: Round 1
20:09 , Oli GentA quick-tempo first round as the two look to feel each other out. Taylor is trying to get on the front foot early, but he’s been met by some strong defence from his opponent.
Up next
20:00 , Oli GentEzra Taylor takes on Willy Hutchinson in the light heavyweight division.
The knockout punch
19:50 , Oli GentA peach from Pauls floored Thompson! 🥶#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/1CTZd4b7K7
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
What a comeback!
19:40 , Oli GentPauls has won it, and in some style, as he knocks out Thompson. The referee waves it off at the second knockdown, with Pauls a mile behind on the scorecards.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 8
19:37 , Oli GentA good eighth from Pauls with a number of decent hooks and jabs, but all the power punches are coming from the gloves of Thompson. Pauls looks almost done.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 7
19:33 , Oli GentPauls is bruised up around the eyes as he endures another tough round. Thompson is on top here.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 6
19:29 , Oli GentA real scrap in the sixth as both men look to assert themselves in the eyes of the judges. Not much to split them there.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 5
19:26 , Oli GentThompson is looking huge in there and trying to assert his physical dominance. He’s been able to pop off some good shots, getting his jab going again. He’s very much on top here.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 4
19:22 , Oli GentAgain, more good work from both men, with Thompson continuing to just shade the rounds, planting his feet and looking to find Pauls’ body.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 3
19:17 , Oli GentAnother even round that Thompson edges just before the bell, with a good right hook that does some late damage to Pauls, sending him back towards the neutral corner.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 2
19:13 , Oli GentThompson is looking to unload his power as he bounces in and out of range in that southpaw stance. He has been caught a couple of times by Pauls, who is beginning to get that right hand into play.
Thompson vs Pauls: Round 1
19:09 , Oli GentA relaxed Thompson takes the opening round after plenty of feeling each other out.
Wardley calls out Usyk!
19:05 , Oli Gent"Oleksandr Usyk... 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘" 🥶@FabioWardley calls out a King 👑#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/Wvb532OEyd
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
Up next
19:05 , Oli GentBrad Pauls takes on Shakiel Thompson in an IBF middleweight world title eliminator.
Main card results so far`
19:04 , Oli GentMichael Gomez Jr. def. Jordan Flynn by TKO
Josh Holmes def. Alex Murphy by TKO
Liam Davies def. Francesco Grandelli by TKO
Davies wins!
18:48 , Oli GentDavies is the European champion!
A lethal Liam Davies performance gets the job done ✅#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/lPLodolNp5
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
Why was this fight delayed?
18:39 , Oli GentMoses Itauma postponed his fight against Jermaine Franklin after the British heavyweight prospect suffered an injury in training.
Brit looking good
18:26 , Oli GentSlick start from Davies ✨#ItaumaFranklin | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/QtkeFawPks
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 28, 2026
On now
18:21 , Oli GentLiam Davies takes on Francesco Grandelli in a 12-rounder as the undercard continues.
Main card results so far`
18:14 , Oli GentMichael Gomez Jr. def. Jordan Flynn by TKO
Josh Holmes def. Alex Murphy by TKO
Itauma vs Franklin latest odds
18:07 , Oli GentItauma to win: 1/25
Franklin to win: 11/1
Draw: 40/1
Itauma to win on points or by decision: 7/2
Itauma to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 1/4
Franklin to win on points or by decision: 25/1
Franklin to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 16/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
How did they weigh in?
17:56 , Oli GentItauma hit the scales on Friday at 242.1 pounds, with Franklin weighing in at 258.4 pounds.
Standard Sport prediction
17:49 , Oli GentOn paper at least, this should be the most difficult night of Itauma’s explosive career so far.
However, that is certainly not saying much. Aside from early dominant six-round points wins over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and Kevin Nicolas Espindola, he has delivered devastatingly swift knockouts of every opponent he has faced to date.
There is a reason why the likes of the returning Fury want nothing whatsoever to do with fighting Itauma, who has racked up only 26 rounds in 13 pro bouts.
He has only gone past the second round twice, the last of those was nine fights ago in 2023.
Franklin is a tough and durable customer who has never been stopped and acquitted himself well against both Whyte and Joshua, but is about to face a very different prospect altogether.
He might be make to work slightly harder for it, but we’re still anticipating another formidable stoppage from Itauma comfortably in the first half of the fight.
Having said that, some crucial rounds under the belt would be no bad thing if it was to go on longer.
Itauma to win by knockout.
Card in full
17:42 , Oli GentMoses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin
Nathan Heaney vs Gerome Warburton
Ezra Taylor vs Willy Hutchinson
Shakiel Thompson vs Brad Pauls
Liam Davies vs Francesco Grandelli
Alex Murphy vs Josh Holmes
Michael Gomez Jr vs Jordan Flynn
Nelson Birchall vs Ryan Griffiths
John Joe Carrigan vs Danny Costello
Billy Deniz vs Grant Dennis
Aadam Hamed vs Michael Mooney
How to watch
17:36 , Oli GentTV channel and live stream: The Magnificent 7 show is being broadcast live and exclusive in the UK via DAZN.
It is part of the regular DAZN subscription and not through their pay-per-view service.
Hello and welcome!
17:31 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash against Jermaine Franklin from the Co-Op Live in Manchester.
Stay tuned for all the updates, with the undercard already underway and the main event slated for around 11pm GMT.
