Jermaine Franklin Confident He Can End Moses Itauma’s Unbeaten Run

Franklin Refuses to Be Anyone’s “Test” Opponent

Jermaine Franklin has made it crystal clear—he does not see himself as a mere stepping stone for young heavyweight contender Moses Itauma. The American fighter, who recently bounced back into the win column with a decision victory over Ivan Dychko, strongly rejected the notion that he would be brought in just to test Itauma’s skills.

Speaking before his clash with Dychko, Franklin voiced his frustration at the suggestion and doubled down on his self-belief. “I’m far from a test for anybody,” he said. “So if you want to get messed up, you can bring it.” These words underline the determination of a man who has fought some of the division’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, and is not willing to be cast aside as just another opponent.

A Heavyweight with Experience at the Highest Level

Jermaine Franklin has been in the ring with elite-level opposition. Against Anthony Joshua in 2023, he went the distance, proving his durability and ability to hang with world-class heavyweights. Earlier, he faced Dillian Whyte in a razor-close fight that many felt could have gone his way.

Now, Franklin is back in the spotlight. His recent win over the towering Ivan Dychko has reinvigorated his career, giving him momentum at the perfect time as rumors swirl about a clash with the rising star Moses Itauma.

For Franklin, such an opportunity would not just be another fight—it would be a chance to derail one of boxing’s brightest prospects and remind fans why his name still carries weight in the division.

Franklin Open to Fighting Itauma — If the Money Is Right

While Franklin did not shy away from the idea of facing Moses Itauma, he emphasized that financial terms would have to make sense. “If the money’s right, we can talk about it,” he explained.

He also admitted that, while he hasn’t studied Itauma in depth, he has seen enough to know the young fighter is aggressive and fast-handed. However, Franklin hinted that Itauma’s inexperience could be exposed against more seasoned opposition.

“I don’t know too much about Moses. I think he’s got nice hand speed, he’s aggressive, but he’s a young guy,” Franklin observed. “Fighting someone like Oleksandr Usyk, I think that’s maybe too high calibre for him. But if he thinks he can take the challenge, then that’s what he thinks.”

This comment points to Franklin’s skepticism about Itauma being truly ready for the very top tier, while still leaving the door open for a clash between them.

Moses Itauma: The Fast-Rising Heavyweight Phenom

On the other side of the story is Moses Itauma, the 20-year-old British-Nigerian powerhouse who has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in boxing. With a professional record of 13-0, including 11 stoppages, Itauma’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

What has particularly impressed boxing fans is not just his unbeaten run, but the manner in which he has been winning. Out of his 11 knockouts, nine have come within the first two rounds. His explosive starts have left opponents unable to cope with his speed and power combination.

The most eye-catching moment of his young career so far came when he floored former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside the opening two minutes of their fight. That emphatic victory proved he could dismantle experienced veterans and not just untested fighters.

With that performance, Itauma shot up the IBF rankings, where he currently sits in the top five. His promoter, Frank Warren, has been vocal about his potential, even suggesting that many established heavyweights are already reluctant to face him.

Rumors of Usyk Fight Swirl Around Itauma

Such has been Itauma’s rapid progression that his name is already being linked with none other than Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

While some in the sport, including Franklin, argue that it may be too soon for Itauma to step into the ring with someone of Usyk’s caliber, the mere fact that these discussions are happening shows the level of hype surrounding him.

It is understood that Usyk has a 90-day extension before he must defend his WBO title, which leaves the door open for potential new challengers. Whether Itauma could realistically be granted such an opportunity remains uncertain, but what’s undeniable is that his performances have positioned him as one of the division’s most dangerous rising threats.

Franklin vs Itauma: A Fight That Makes Sense?

Boxing fans are buzzing about the possibility of Jermaine Franklin vs Moses Itauma later this year. Franklin brings experience, toughness, and a resume that includes battles with world-class heavyweights. Itauma brings youth, power, and an unbeaten record that he is desperate to protect.

It’s a classic boxing narrative—youth vs experience, rising star vs seasoned warrior. If Franklin were to hand Itauma his first professional defeat, it would immediately catapult him back into major contention for a world title shot. On the other hand, if Itauma were to add Franklin to his growing list of victims, it would silence the critics and prove that he can handle skilled, durable opposition.

Franklin’s Fighting Spirit

Franklin has never lacked confidence. Even after defeats to Joshua and Whyte, he maintained his belief that he belongs among the best. His comments about Itauma are not mere bravado—they reflect the mentality of a fighter who refuses to be underestimated.

“I’m far from a test for anybody,” he stated firmly. That message is clear: if Itauma wants to build his reputation by facing Franklin, he won’t be in for an easy night.

What’s Next for Moses Itauma?

According to reports, Itauma is likely to return to the ring in December. Frank Warren has suggested that Filip Hrgovic, another highly ranked heavyweight, has already turned down the opportunity to fight the young star. This only adds to the sense that Itauma is becoming a feared name in the division.

If Franklin accepts the challenge, their fight could serve as the perfect test before Itauma steps up to elite-level opponents in 2026. For now, all eyes are on Warren’s next move as he maps out the path for his young prodigy.

Final Thoughts

The potential showdown between Jermaine Franklin and Moses Itauma is fascinating for several reasons. It pits an experienced heavyweight who has faced some of the division’s biggest names against one of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects.

For Franklin, it’s about proving he is still a major player in the heavyweight scene. For Itauma, it’s about showing that his hype is justified and that he can take on a seasoned pro without faltering.

Whatever happens, fans can be sure of one thing: this fight would not be a mere test—it would be a real battle, with real stakes.