The approximately 16,000 fans packed into the Manchester arena went wild for Itauma and greeted British rapper Meekz with a warm roar as he walked to the ring.
Itauma – a talented individual who was competing against seasoned professionals while still in school – was in amazing form from the first bell, using his speed and variation to push Franklin past.
In fact, the knockout felt inevitable even when the 32-year-old Franklin managed to recover from a third-round right hand that sent him to the floor.
Working behind a jab and picking his shots intelligently, Itauma avoided any carelessness. “This is a tough task,” trainer Ben Davison told him right in between rounds.
It was another night that thrilled and taught us a little more about the rising heavyweights.
Itauma’s destructive power cannot be denied, once again on display as he overpowered an experienced opponent in the first half of the fight.
But big questions still remain.
His chin has not been properly examined yet. Franklin hit a right ball in the fourth and Itauma just smiled, but he would face bigger punches in the future.
And while the knockouts keep coming, after six rounds he’s still unproven, his engine and stamina untested at the highest level.
Promoter Warren hopes Itauma will fight for a world title this year.
In boxing circles, this discussion may be a little premature but Itauma has been keeping pace with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.
At the same stage of his career, Joshua defeated Gary Cornish to record his 14th stoppage and sold out the O2 Arena. Itauma is on a similar trajectory, nearly filling co-op live arenas — and facing arguably higher-tier opponents along the way.
The turning point for Joshua came in his 15th fight: victory over Dillian Whyte for the British title, which developed his resolve and raised his profile.
In his 17th year, he was world champion, defeating Charles Martin.
