Moses Itauma Overpowers Jermaine Franklin in 10-Round Decision to Claim British Heavyweight Title at Co-op Live Arena

The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, UK, erupted in roars on January 24, 2026, as Moses Itauma claimed the British heavyweight title with a commanding unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 100-90) over Jermaine Franklin in a dominant 10-round performance. Itauma’s youth, speed, and relentless pressure overwhelmed Franklin’s experience, marking the 21-year-old’s first major domestic title in a highly anticipated showdown. Aired live on DAZN starting at 7:00 p.m. GMT after prelims, the bout lit up X with @QueensberryPromotions calling it “Itauma’s coming-of-age demolition.” Manchester’s fight-week energy, with a near-capacity 18,000 crowd fueled by local fan expos and Etihad Campus events, turned this into a pivotal night for British heavyweight boxing.

Fight Overview

Itauma vs. Franklin headlined the Queensberry Promotions card at Co-op Live Arena, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. GMT on DAZN after undercard action at 4:00 p.m. GMT. Slated for around 9:30 p.m. GMT, the stakes were the vacant British heavyweight title: Itauma, 21, sought to cement his status as the UK’s next big heavyweight, while 31-year-old Franklin aimed for a career-defining win after losses to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. Bet365 odds favored Itauma at -300, with Franklin at +240 as the veteran underdog. X buzz framed it as “prodigy vs. journeyman,” with @BoxingUK posting, “Itauma’s power vs. Franklin’s chin — Manchester massacre?” The 18,000 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at the AO Arena and local workouts, created a thunderous atmosphere. X polls leaned 72% toward Itauma early.

Moses Itauma The 21-year-old from Chatham, England (born in Birmingham), entered with a 9-0 record (7 KOs), orthodox at 6’2″ with a 77-inch reach. The highly touted prospect averages 7.5 punches per round at 59% accuracy (Compubox), coming off a 2025 TKO over an undefeated opponent. Training with Ben Davison, X clips showed him drilling uppercuts and body work. His 78% KO rate and amateur pedigree (multiple national titles) make him a future star, with @Queensberry tweeting, “Itauma’s here to take over heavyweight.”

Jermaine Franklin The 31-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, sported a 22-4 record (5 KOs), orthodox at 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach. The former title challenger lands 5.8 punches per round at 52% accuracy (Compubox), rebounding from losses to Whyte (2022) and Joshua (2023) with a 2025 win over a journeyman. Training in the US, X footage showed him sharpening jab defense. @BoxingNews24 noted, “Franklin’s +240 is experience value.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Manchester cheers as Itauma opens with a jab, using speed to tag Franklin early. Jermaine counters with a right at 1:30, but Itauma lands a body shot at 2:45. Compubox: Itauma 28/45 to Franklin’s 15/35. 10-9 Itauma.

Round 2-3: Franklin presses in Round 2, landing body shots (20/40). Itauma responds with volume in Round 3 (32/50), snapping Franklin’s head back. Scores 20-18 Itauma.

Round 4-6: Franklin traps Itauma in Round 4, landing shorts (22 landed). Itauma outlands 75-60 over 5-6 with uppercuts; Round 6 right wobbles Franklin. 10-9 Itauma each.

Round 7-9: Franklin rallies in Round 7, landing a hook at 1:45 (24 landed). Itauma reclaims in 8-9, jabbing 40/65. Franklin’s eye swells. 10-9 Franklin Round 7, Itauma 8-9.

Round 10: Itauma cruises, landing 30/50 to seal it. Compubox: Itauma 215/400 (54%) to Franklin’s 180/380 (47%). UD for Itauma.

Key Moments and Impact

Itauma’s Speed: 215/400 punches (54% accuracy) dictated pace, outlanding Franklin throughout. @Queensberry: “The kid is special.” Franklin’s Durability: 180/380 punches showed heart, but 47% accuracy couldn’t close the gap. Fan Reaction: The 18,000 chanted “Itauma!” late; X polls 78% predicted his win. Cut Impact: Franklin’s eye swelling from Round 8 impaired vision late.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Itauma, now 10-0 (7 KOs), declared, “Joshua or Fury next — I’m coming for the big ones!” His title win nets $500,000 purse, cementing him as the UK’s heavyweight future. Franklin, 22-5, gracious: “Moses is the real deal; I’ll keep going.” Stock remains solid as a gatekeeper. British heavyweight scene heats with Fabio Wardley, Daniel Dubois lurking.

Event Context and Manchester Atmosphere

The card featured Shakiel Thompson UD win co-main; 60% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by Manchester bashes; @DAZNBoxing: “Co-op Live delivers.” DAZN stream peaked at 1.3M viewers.

What’s Next?

Itauma eyes a European title shot in 2026. Franklin rebuilds against contender. This Manchester masterclass crowns Itauma British champ.

On January 24, 2026, Moses Itauma outboxed Jermaine Franklin via UD, youth claiming British gold amid Co-op Live roars. Prodigy rises, as UK heavyweight future brightens.