To this point, Itauma, 21, hasn’t had to make use of a backup plan on account of the low quality of opposition he’s been matched against. He’s fought a whole lot of older fighters and hasn’t had step-ups.
Itauma faces the capable gatekeeper Jermaine Franklin in his 14th fight, a heavyweight who has gone the space with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte and has never been stopped. Warren said the fight was made to check Itauma against a durable opponent. “We made it for a reason. Someone who’s going to check him,” Frank said on why Jermaine was chosen for Itauma.
Franklin has 27 fights with only two losses, each coming 4 years ago, including a detailed decision against Whyte. Warren said Franklin’s experience and sturdiness make him an appropriate opponent to increase Itauma if the knockout doesn’t come early.
He said if Itauma doesn’t get the stoppage, the fight should show one other side of him within the ring. Warren said he desires to see how Itauma handles a situation where power doesn’t end the fight.
Warren also pointed to inactivity as a priority, saying Itauma had only two fights last yr on account of injuries and didn’t get enough rounds. He said this fight should show how Itauma handles prolonged rounds if the stoppage doesn’t come.
Warren said Itauma is ranked #1 with the WBO and in position for a title shot if he keeps winning. He said a world title fight is feasible by the top of the yr if progress continues.
Frank is moving Itauma forward, but this fight is getting used to seek out out what happens when the facility shouldn’t be enough.
Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) fights Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round contest on Saturday, March twenty eighth on the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.