Moses Itauma Claims Vacant British Heavyweight Title with Dominant Unanimous Decision Over Jermaine Franklin at Co-op Live Arena

The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester erupted on January 24, 2026, as 21-year-old Moses Itauma captured the vacant British heavyweight title with a commanding unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 100-90) over experienced American Jermaine Franklin in a one-sided 10-round masterclass. Itauma’s blistering hand-speed, sharp jab and relentless forward pressure completely outclassed Franklin, marking the young prospect’s biggest career win and signaling the arrival of a new British heavyweight force. Aired live on DAZN starting at 7:00 p.m. GMT after prelims, the fight dominated UK boxing conversation on X, with @QueensberryPromotions calling it “Itauma’s coronation — Franklin had no answers.” The near-capacity 18,000 crowd, fueled by Union Jacks, Ghanaian flags and a raucous Manchester fight-week atmosphere, turned this into a landmark night for British 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 fight was for the vacant British heavyweight crown: Itauma, 21, aimed to become the youngest British heavyweight champion in modern history, while 31-year-old Franklin sought a career-resurrecting win after high-profile losses to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. Bet365 priced Itauma as a -300 favorite, Franklin the +240 underdog. X framed it as “prodigy vs. veteran,” with @BoxingSocial posting, “Itauma’s youth & power vs. Franklin’s experience — Manchester magic incoming!” The 18,000 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at AO Arena and city-wide events, created an electric, partisan atmosphere. X polls leaned 72 % toward Itauma.

Moses Itauma The 21-year-old from Chatham, England (born in Birmingham to Ghanaian parents), 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 dominant 2025 campaign. Training with Ben Davison, recent X clips showed him drilling fast combinations and body work. His 78 % KO rate and amateur pedigree made him the overwhelming favorite, with @Queensberry tweeting, “The future is here tonight.”

Jermaine Franklin The 31-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, carried a 22-4 record (5 KOs), orthodox at 6’3″ with a 78-inch reach. The former world-title challenger lands 5.8 punches per round at 52 % accuracy (Compubox), looking to rebound from high-profile defeats. Training in the US, X footage showed him working on jab defense and clinch work. @BoxingNews24 noted, “Franklin’s +240 is experience value — can he survive the early storm?”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1: Manchester explodes as Itauma opens with a piston jab, using speed to land clean early. Franklin counters with a right at 1:30, but Itauma answers with 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 sharp counters in Round 3 (32/50), reddening Franklin’s cheek. Scores 20-18 Itauma.

Round 4-6: Franklin tries to trap Itauma in Round 4, landing shorts (22 landed). Itauma outlands 75-60 over 5-6 with fast hands; Round 6 right hand staggers Franklin briefly. 10-9 Itauma each.

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

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

Key Moments and Impact Itauma’s Hand-Speed: 215/400 punches (54 % accuracy) dictated the pace, outlanding Franklin in every round except one. @Queensberry: “The kid is generational.” Franklin’s Durability: 180/380 punches showed heart, but 47 % accuracy couldn’t overcome the speed gap. Fan Reaction: The 18,000 chanted “Itauma!” from round 6 onward; X polls flipped to 78 % for Itauma post-fight. Cut Impact: Franklin’s eye swelling from round 8 impaired vision in the championship rounds.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications Itauma, now 10-0 (7 KOs), shouted into the mic: “Joshua, Fury, Dubois — I’m coming for all of them!” His title win nets a £400,000 purse and positions him as the UK’s heavyweight future. Franklin, 22-5, gracious: “Moses is special — he’ll be a problem for everyone.” Stock remains solid as a respected gatekeeper. British heavyweight landscape heats up with Wardley, Dubois, and now Itauma all in the mix.

Event Context and Manchester Atmosphere The card featured Shakiel Thompson UD win in the co-main; 60 % decisions added depth. Fans hyped by Manchester city-wide parties; @DAZNBoxing: “Co-op Live delivers again.” DAZN stream peaked at 1.4 million viewers.

What’s Next? Itauma likely faces a European title eliminator or mandatory in mid-2026. Franklin rebuilds against a ranked contender. This Manchester masterclass crowns Itauma British heavyweight champion.

On January 24, 2026, Moses Itauma outboxed Jermaine Franklin via unanimous decision, youth and speed claiming the vacant British heavyweight crown amid Co-op Live roars. The next UK heavyweight star has arrived.