All eyes are on Manchester, England this weekend as Bet9ja ambassador Moses Itauma steps back into the ring for what could be the biggest test of his career so far.
The Nigerian heavyweight sensation faces American contender Jermaine Franklin on Saturday 28 March, as part of the stacked Magnificent 7 fight night at the Co-op Live Arena.
Still just 21, Itauma is already being tipped by many as a future undisputed world champion. But to stay on that path, he must get past a proven and dangerous opponent.
With Bet9ja offering the best odds in the world for Itauma to continue his explosive knockout streak, anticipation is building around whether the unbeaten star can deliver another statement finish.
Itauma’s Rise Continues
Few fighters in world boxing are building momentum like Itauma.
The Bet9ja ambassador has raced to a perfect 13-0 professional record, with 11 knockouts and a nine-fight KO streak that has seen him barely spend any time in the ring. His last outing lasted less than two minutes, as he dismantled Dillian Whyte in devastating fashion.
Are you excited to see Moses Itauma back in the ring?! ???pic.twitter.com/EdpUFPJdcA
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) September 26, 2025
It’s not just the knockouts, it’s the manner of them. Itauma combines speed, timing and raw power in a way rarely seen at heavyweight, drawing comparisons to some of the most explosive fighters in boxing history.
Still early in his career, he already holds WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental titles and is being fast-tracked towards a world title shot. Every performance feels like a statement, and every fight raises expectations even further.
Born to a Nigerian father from Akwa Ibom State, Itauma’s Ibibio roots remain a key part of his identity.
Franklin Brings Durability and Experience
Jermaine Franklin may not have Itauma’s hype, but he brings something just as important – durability.
The American has only lost twice in his career, both on points to elite opposition in Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. Crucially, he has never been stopped.
That makes this a real test for Itauma. Can he break down a fighter who has gone the distance with some of the division’s biggest names?
Franklin arrives on a three-fight winning streak and will believe he has what it takes to upset the rising star.
The Magnificent 7 Fight Night
Itauma vs Franklin headlines a stacked Magnificent 7 card in Manchester, featuring seven fights across multiple divisions.
- Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin ; WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championships
- Nathan Heaney vs Gerome Warburton; WBA Continental Middleweight Championship
- Ezra Taylor vs Willy Hutchinson ; WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight Championship
- Shakiel Thompson vs Brad Pauls ; IBF International Middleweight Championship
- Liam Davies vs Francesco Grandelli; EBU European Featherweight Championship and WBO inter-continental
- Alex Murphy vs Josh Holmes ; Commonwealth Silver Lightweight Championship
- Michael Gomez Jr. vs Jordan Flynn; Lightweight
Fight Details and How to Watch
The fight takes place on Saturday 28 March at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, the UK’s largest indoor venue.
The full card gets underway at 5pm local time, with Itauma and Franklin expected to make their ringwalks at around 11pm.
The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin full ringwalk times
| Fight | Local Time | Naija Time |
| Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin | 11pm | 12am |
| Nathan Heaney vs Gerome Warburton | 10pm | 11pm |
| Ezra Taylor vs Willy Hutchinson | 9pm | 10pm |
| Shakiel Thompson vs Brad Pauls | 8pm | 9pm |
| Liam Davies vs Francesco Grandelli | 7pm | 8pm |
| Alex Murphy vs Josh Holmes | 6pm | 7pm |
| Michael Gomez Jr. vs Jordan Flynn | 5pm | 6pm |
Bet on Itauma vs Franklin with Bet9ja
Bet9ja has the best odds in the world for this huge heavyweight clash.
You can back unbeaten Bet9ja ambassador Moses Itauma to win by KO/TKO/DQ at a huge 1.50 odds!
Place your bet now and get in on the action.
