Venue, Date, and Time
Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom (a state-of-the-art 23,500-capacity multi-purpose venue that has rapidly become one of the UK’s premier boxing destinations under Queensberry Promotions).
Start Time: Main card begins at 5:00 PM GMT (UK time) / 1:00 PM ET (US). Ring walks for the main event (Itauma vs. Franklin) are expected around 10:00–11:00 PM GMT / 6:00–7:00 PM ET, depending on undercard length.
Broadcast: Live and exclusive on DAZN worldwide (UK via app/subscription; US standard plans from ~$29.99/month).
Injury Report
Moses Itauma suffered a Grade 2 bicep tear in training camp that forced the postponement of the original January 24, 2026 date. He has since fully recovered, provided multiple positive updates on the injury, and confirmed he is 100% fit with no lingering issues. Jermaine Franklin has reported no injuries or setbacks in camp.
Fighter Matchups and Tale of the Tape
This is a young power prospect vs. battle-tested veteran gatekeeper heavyweight showdown:
Moses Itauma: 21 years old, 6’4″–6’6″ (194–198 cm), 78.7″–79″ (200 cm) reach, southpaw. Chatham, England native and one of boxing’s brightest heavyweight stars. Holder of the WBO Inter-Continental and WBA International titles; widely viewed as a future world-title contender.
Jermaine Franklin (“989 Assassin”): 32 years old, 6’2″–6’3″ (188–191 cm), 77″ (196 cm) reach, orthodox. Saginaw, Michigan veteran known for iron durability. Went the distance with Anthony Joshua (close decision) and Dillian Whyte; never been stopped entering this fight.
Key Physical/Style Edges: Itauma possesses a significant reach and athleticism advantage plus elite southpaw power (84%+ KO rate). Franklin’s experience, size, and proven chin make him the toughest test of Itauma’s young career.
Recent Form
Itauma (last 4 fights – all stoppages, minimal rounds):
Aug 2025: TKO 1 vs. Dillian Whyte (won Commonwealth heavyweight title)
May 2025: TKO 2 vs. Mike Balogun (retained WBO Inter-Continental)
Earlier dominant wins with multiple knockdowns
He has looked devastating against credible opposition and is coming off his highest-profile win to date.
Franklin (last 3 fights – durable and competitive):
Sep 2025: UD 10 vs. Ivan Dychko
May 2024: TKO 6 vs. Devin Vargas
Prior competitive showings against top names
He thrives in longer fights and has never been stopped in 26 pro bouts.
Fight History and Key Insights
Itauma turned pro in 2023 and has dispatched every opponent inside the distance with frightening efficiency. This is his biggest step-up and a fight promoter Frank Warren believes could fast-track him toward a world-title shot in 2026. Franklin (pro since 2015) is the ultimate litmus test: a durable, high-level gatekeeper who has shared the ring with the division’s best and earned respect for his heart and durability.
FIGHT ODDS
Moses Itauma – 2250
Jermaine Franklin + 1300
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 27, 2026
