Moses Itauma continued his rise in the heavyweight division this weekend, becoming the first man to stop Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma dominated proceedings through five before a highlight-reel left uppercut saw Franklin out on his feet. A follow-up right hand put the American down, face-first on the canvas.
It was an incredible performance from Itauma in his first UK headlining spot, only cementing the narrative that he is heir to the heavyweight throne.
Speaking on X post-fight, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri said he will now begin the process to have the 21-year-old installed as mandatory challenger.
“In light of Moses Itauma’s current position as the #1 WBO world-rated contender, and having defeated world-rated contender Jermaine Franklin by knockout in defense of his WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship, he has further affirmed his standing within the division as a rising star.
“Accordingly, I will formally recommend to the Championship Committee that Mr. Itauma be designated as the Mandatory Challenger in the WBO Heavyweight Division.”
The WBO belt is currently held by Itauma stablemate Fabio Wardley, who puts it on the line in his first defence against Daniel Dubois on May 9 back at the Co-op Live in Manchester.
Should Wardley retain, it is likely that Itauma goes another route – he is also number one contender with the WBA – given trainer Ben Davison’s work with both men. However, should Dubois hand the champion his first defeat and become a two-time world champion, there is an excellent all-British banger there to be made.
Post-fight, Itauma said that he had been targeting Filip Hrgovic, though the Croatian is now booked to face Dave Allen on May 16. Itauma’s team may instead turn their attention to WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, who has already signalled his willingness to take the fight – one few in the division appear eager to accept.
