Bet9ja ambassador Moses Itauma will step into 2026 with the biggest test of his career so far.
Queensberry Promotions have confirmed that the 20-year-old powerhouse will headline the “Magnificent Seven” card on 24 January at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, facing American contender Jermaine Franklin in a high-stakes heavyweight clash.
Itauma has long embraced his Nigerian roots with pride, becoming one of the continent’s brightest global boxing prospects, and every victory strengthens his status as Africa’s next heavyweight superstar.
Moses Itauma headlines ??? ??????????? ? against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester ?
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) November 10, 2025
Frank Warren celebrates 45 years as a promoter by bringing you this incredible card in January live on Dazn ?#ItaumaFranklin | Mag 7 | The Co-op Live | @daznboxing pic.twitter.com/SiNQLWcGmK
Rising Fast
Itauma enters the bout unbeaten at 13-0 (11 stoppages) and riding a wave of destruction after his first-round knockout of Dillian Whyte in August. That performance put the heavyweight division on alert – and many insiders now speak of Itauma as a future world champion in wait.
Promoter Frank Warren, celebrating his 45th year in the business, made clear how highly he rates Itauma.
“I am very happy to have our heavyweight prodigy Moses topping the bill in another perfect test of his unquestionable credentials against a very tough American in Jermain Franklin.”
Are you excited to see Moses Itauma back in the ring?! ???pic.twitter.com/EdpUFPJdcA
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) September 26, 2025
A Serious Test
Jermaine Franklin (24–2) is no warm-up opponent. The American has only ever lost to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, both on points, and has never been stopped in 26 professional fights. He arrives in Manchester on a three-fight win streak.
If Itauma can stop Franklin – something Joshua could not do – the statement to the heavyweight division will be impossible to ignore.
World Title Talks Getting Louder
Itauma’s rise has created a real buzz in the Heavyweight division, and is currently ranked:
• No.1 by the WBA
• No.1 by the WBO
• No.4 by the WBC
The WBA recently ordered a mandatory defence involving Kubrat Pulev, and talks around Itauma fighting for a title in 2026 are intensifying. Coach Ben Davison even said he would take a fight with Oleksandr Usyk immediately.
“I would take it,” Davison told Sky Sports. “I think it’s a win-win. As much as Moses hasn’t boxed anybody like Usyk, I don’t think Usyk’s boxed anybody like Moses.”
It’s rare for a 20-year-old to be spoken of in this company. But Itauma’s power, poise and Nigerian-rooted self-belief have made many believe the leap is coming sooner than expected.
Even former world champion Roy Jones Jr has joined the chorus.
“Moses reminds me of a young Mike Tyson,” Jones said. “When you put someone in front of him who he can hit, they are going down. That is exactly how a young Mike Tyson rolled.”
But first, he must deal with Franklin under the Manchester lights.
Nigeria Will Be Watching
Itauma was born in Slovakia, raised in Britain, but his pride in being Nigerian has never been quiet. His connection to Nigeria is strong, and as a Bet9ja ambassador he carries the backing of millions of supporters.
24 January is just another step on what many believe will be a historic Nigerian ascent to the top of the heavyweight division.
