‘Question marks’ – Moses Itauma admits Jermaine Franklin could expose him in honest fight verdict

Jan 6, 2026 - 11:30

Moses Itauma is aware of the threat that Jermaine Franklin could pose to him in the ring.

Itauma is set to face off with former Anthony Joshua foe Franklin on January 24.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Moses Itauma celebrates after winning his fight against Amine Boucetta during the Heavyweight fight between Moses Itauma and Amine Boucetta at OVO Arena Wembley on September 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) — Itauma is one of the hottest prospects in the sport at the moment

As the 21-year-old climbs the ranks of boxing’s glamour division, he has yet to face an opponent who can hand him a defeat.

While Franklin has been dismissed as a threat by many, Itauma seems to be aware that he could deliver an upset when they clash.

During a recent roundtable interview, he explained: “I actually think [Franklin] might be my toughest fight.

“The reason why I say that is because what he does very well, there’s still question marks [about me].

“Whereas with [Dillian] Whyte, there’s a lot of things to exploit in his game.

“Demsey McKean – to be honest – although he went 12 rounds with Filip Hrgovic, I personally didn’t think that he was great.

“But I actually do feel like Franklin’s a solid fighter so I’m ready for him.”

Franklin certainly has the advantage of experience over Itauma and the American is out to provide the toughest test of his ability yet.

The 32-year-old was unbeaten in his professional ventures until he was outclassed by Dillian Whyte in 2022.

Five months later, he suffered his second career defeat at the hands of former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua.

Franklin has since embarked on a three-fight win streak and is out to prove his doubters wrong as he takes on Itauma at the top of Queensberry’s Magnificent 7 bill.

Jermaine Franklin at the press conference ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua — Franklin is 24-2 as a pro and his only two defeats come at the hands of British opponents

What’s at stake for Moses Itauma?

The Brit has made it clear that his sights are set on world titles in 2026.

If Itauma can get past Franklin, he is expected to move one step closer to the biggest names in the sport.

While he has only been fighting on the professional scene for three years, Itauma has already amassed a perfect record of 13-0.

During that time, he has also established an impressive reputation as an early-round knockout artist.

His last outing saw him claim a knockout win in under two minutes against veteran Dillian Whyte, and he will certainly be hoping to lead Franklin to a similar fate this month.