Moses Itauma Stops Franklin; Is Gassiev Title Fight An Option?
Top heavyweight contender Moses Itauma proves to be the future of boxing with a vicious knockout of Jermaine Franklin Jr. in five rounds. With his sights set on a world title fight, he could face the WBA Regular champion, Murat “Iron” Gassiev, next.
Itauma’s speed, defense, and power were too much for Franklin, who was hit repeatedly with hard shots to the head and body. After scoring a knockdown in the third round, he put together a beautiful combination that wobbled the Michigan native in the fifth. As Franklin went crumbling down to the canvas face first, the referee immediately waved off the fight.
Itauma became the first man to knock out the rough and rugged Franklin. Now, everyone wants to know who’s next. Well, Queensberry Promotions CEO Frank Warren is promising a title fight by the end of the year. In reality, a fight with the WBO champion Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois winner would be next. However, that fights winner would likely prioritize a chance to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed.
If it’s a title fight they want, they could look in the direction of Gassiev. The Russian is coming off a big win for the title against one-time champion Kubrat Pulev in 2025. Iron will be at a disadvantage in height and reach, but his experience will play a huge factor.
One thing is for certain and that is Itauma seems ready to challenge the big dogs of the division.
Be the first to comment