Barry McGuigan has offered some insight into the upcoming fight between Moses Itauma and Jermaine Franklin.
Itauma is just 21-years-old and is looking to work his way towards a world title as soon as possible and become one of Britain’s youngest ever world champions.
So far, he has barely put a foot wrong on his way to 13 wins, 11 of them by knockout, and nine of those inside the first two rounds.
Last time out in August, he knocked Dillian Whyte out within just two minutes of their contest and was due to fight this month against Franklin in Manchester, but suffered an injury late in the day, so the fight had to be rescheduled for March.
Writing in his column for The Mirror, McGuigan backed Itauma to get the job done early once more against the American.
“Franklin went the distance with Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but I’d be surprised if he still standing after five rounds against this guy. I want to see Itauma step up this year and show us that he can get through a crisis. It’s the only question he still has to answer.”
Given how durable Franklin has been in his previous two visits to UK shores, another early win here for Itauma would be hugely impressive.
If he does come through that, he has been linked with fights with WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev, WBO champion Fabio Wardley, and has always said he would be ready to fight former two-time undisputed ruler Oleksandr Usyk at any time.
