So far, Itauma (21) has not had to use a backup plan due to the low quality of opposition against him. He’s fought much older fighters and hasn’t had step-ups yet.
Itauma faces skilled gatekeeper Jermaine Franklin in his 14th fight, a heavyweight who has gone the distance with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte and has never been stopped. Warren said the fight was made to test Itauma against a durable opponent. “We made it for a reason. Someone to test him,” Frank said of why Jermaine was chosen for Itauma.
Franklin has 27 fights with just two losses, both coming four years ago, including a close decision against Whyte. Warren said Franklin’s experience and durability make him a suitable opponent to extend Itauma if the knockout doesn’t come early.
He said if Itauma doesn’t get the stoppage, the fight should show a different side of him in the ring. Warren said he wants to see how Itauma handles a situation where power does not end the fight.
Warren also pointed to inactivity as a concern, saying Itauma only had two fights last year due to injuries and not getting enough rounds. He said this fight should show how Itauma handles extended rounds if the stoppage doesn’t come.
Warren said Itauma is No. 1 in the WBO and in position for a title shot if he keeps winning. He said a world title fight is possible by the end of the year if progress continues.
Frank moves Itauma forward, but this battle is used to find out what happens when the power is not enough. We haven’t seen how Itauma reacts when he starts getting hit by someone fighting back. Going by how he looked when he was under duress in some of his amateur fights, he doesn’t like to face pressure fighters with size.
