Thus far, Itauma, 21, hasn’t had to use a backup plan due to the low quality of opposition he’s been matched against. He’s fought a 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 distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte and has never been stopped. Warren said the fight was made to test Itauma against a durable opponent. “We made it for a reason. Someone who’s going to test him,” Frank said on why Jermaine was chosen for Itauma.
Franklin has 27 fights with only two losses, both coming four years ago, including a close decision against Whyte. Warren said Franklin’s experience and durability make him a suitable opponent to extend Itauma if the knockout does not come early.
He said if Itauma does not get the stoppage, the fight should show another side of him in the ring. Warren said he wants to see how Itauma handles a situation where power does not end the fight.
Warren also pointed to inactivity as a concern, saying Itauma had only two fights last year due to injuries and did not get enough rounds. He said this fight should show how Itauma handles extended rounds if the stoppage does not 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 possible by the end of the year if progress continues.
Frank is moving Itauma forward, but this fight is being used to find out what happens when the power is not enough.
Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) fights Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round contest on Saturday, March 28th at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
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