Itauma has been taking men out before they can settle. Sharp hands, heavy shots, no wasted work. It looks clean on the surface. It also leaves questions once the rounds start to progress.
Franklin is there to answer those questions. He keeps a tight guard, steps forward, and fires back in short flurries when openings come. Up close, he works the body, and makes it physical. He will stay in front of Itauma and make him work for every exchange.
Itauma will need to keep the distance in check, choose his moments, and build his offense piece by piece. Franklin will be waiting to answer.
Franklin has already been through it with heavyweights who can punch. He went rounds with Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, stayed on his feet, and kept coming. That kind of chin forces a young puncher to think.
For Itauma, it goes beyond landing clean. He has to hold his pace as the rounds stretch
If Franklin is still there after the middle rounds, it turns into a fight about conditioning and decisions. Young heavyweights either tighten up or settle in and keep working.
Franklin’s job is clear. Close the distance, touch the body, stay on him every round, and keep him thinking.
If Itauma keeps it together and breaks him down late, it says he is ready for more rounds at this level. If Franklin is still there late and answering back, then the questions around Itauma are answered in real time.
Date, Venue, Start Times and Streaming Info
Date: March 28, 2026Start Time: 5:00 PM local / 11:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM UKStream: Live on DAZN
