Rising heavyweight Moses Itauma headlines in Manchester against proven contender Jermaine Franklin on January 24 live on DAZN.

Fight Snapshot

Moses Itauma continues his rapid ascent through the heavyweight division as he faces seasoned American contender Jermaine Franklin in a scheduled main event in Manchester.

Still only in his early twenties, Itauma has already positioned himself as one of the most closely watched heavyweights in the sport. His destructive first round stoppage of Dillian Whyte accelerated his arrival and intensified discussion around his long-term championship potential.

Franklin represents a different kind of test. Durable, experienced, and accustomed to elite level opposition, the American has shared the ring with Anthony Joshua and Whyte, and has proven capable of lasting deep into fights against top tier heavyweights.

This matchup is as much about development as it is about momentum.

Why This Fight Matters

Itauma has rarely been extended beyond the opening rounds, with most of his recent work ending quickly. Franklin offers the kind of resistance that can answer unanswered questions around stamina, composure, and adaptability.

If Itauma is indeed being positioned toward a future meeting with Oleksandr Usyk, this fight serves a clear purpose. Not spectacle, but education.

For Franklin, this is an opportunity to halt the momentum of boxing’s newest heavyweight attraction and reinsert himself into the contender conversation.

Date, Time, and Broadcast

• Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Broadcast: DAZN
• Promoter: Queensberry
• Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester
• Card Start: 7:00 pm GMT / 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
• Ringwalks: 9:45 pm GMT / 4:45 pm ET (Approx)

Tale of the Tape

Venue

The event takes place at Co-op Live in Manchester, one of Europe’s newest large-scale indoor arenas, designed to host major international sporting and entertainment events.