Will Itauma's Injury Delay His Bout with Franklin Until March?

Moses Itauma's upcoming heavyweight fight against Jermaine Franklin has been rescheduled to 28 March due to an injury sustained during training. The bout will take place at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena, with Itauma, unbeaten in 13 fights, looking to extend his impressive knockout record against Franklin, who has only lost twice in his professional career.

Last updated: 20 March 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Moses Itauma's fight with Jermaine Franklin, originally scheduled for 24 January, has been postponed to 28 March following Itauma's training injury. This change comes as a significant disappointment for fans eager to see the talented 21-year-old heavyweight in action. Itauma, who has made a name for himself in the boxing world with 11 of his 13 wins coming by knockout, is considered one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. Franklin, 32, boasts a solid record of 24 wins against 2 losses, having faced high-calibre opponents like Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

Key takeaways

Moses Itauma's fight against Jermaine Franklin has been rescheduled to 28 March due to injury.
Itauma remains unbeaten with 11 knockouts in 13 fights, showcasing a dominant performance in recent bouts.
Franklin has only lost twice in 26 fights, making him a formidable opponent for Itauma.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of the significant milestones leading up to the rescheduling of Itauma's bout:

**August 2025**: Itauma scores a knockout victory over Dillian Whyte, enhancing his reputation in the heavyweight division.
**24 January 2026**: Itauma's fight against Franklin was initially scheduled.
**December 2025**: Multiple opponents turn down potential bouts with Itauma, leading to further delays.
**March 2026**: Itauma sustains an injury in training, resulting in the fight with Franklin being postponed to 28 March.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The key update is the rescheduling of Moses Itauma's fight against Jermaine Franklin from January to March due to an injury. This change has been confirmed by the promoters, Queensberry.

What was already established

Prior to the injury, Itauma was seen as a rising star in the heavyweight boxing scene, remaining unbeaten in his career with a strong knockout record. Franklin had established himself as a resilient contender, holding a respectable fight record with losses only to top-tier opponents.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The postponement of the Itauma-Franklin fight may affect fans who have already purchased tickets or planned to attend the event. However, the rescheduled date allows for adequate recovery time for Itauma and ensures that fans still have the opportunity to see a highly anticipated matchup.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses surrounding the Co-Op Live Arena, such as hotels and restaurants, may experience shifts in bookings due to the change in fight date. The boxing event typically brings significant foot traffic, and the rescheduling could impact local economic activity.

Policy and regulation

Regulatory bodies may take interest in Itauma's injury and its implications for fighter health and safety standards. As the sport continues to evolve, ensuring that athletes are fit to compete is paramount.

Numbers that matter

13: Total fights for Moses Itauma, with an unbeaten record.
11: Knockouts scored by Itauma, showcasing his punching power.
24: Wins by Jermaine Franklin, demonstrating his experience in the ring.
26: Total fights for Franklin, with only 2 losses against top contenders.
9: Consecutive victories for Itauma since his debut, all achieved by knockout.

Definitions and jargon buster

Unbeaten: A fighter who has not lost any of their professional bouts.
Knockout: A victory achieved when a fighter incapacitates their opponent, rendering them unable to continue the fight.
Heavyweight: A boxing category for fighters weighing over 90.7 kg (200 lbs).

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should focus on the new fight date and ensure they remain informed about any additional updates regarding the event. It’s essential for those with tickets to check for any changes related to their purchases.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the fight approaches, attention will turn towards Itauma's recovery and preparation, as well as Franklin's training regimen. Both fighters will likely ramp up their promotional activities leading up to the bout.

Signals to watch

Injury updates on Itauma's recovery and training progress.
Promotional activities and ticket sales for the rescheduled fight.
Potential match announcements for both fighters following the March event.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on fight announcements and changes related to ticketing.
Follow both fighters on social media for insights into their training and preparation.
Engage with local businesses that benefit from fight-related events.

Don’t

Don’t assume the fight will go ahead without any further updates.
Don’t overlook the importance of fighter health and safety in boxing.
Don’t miss out on potential promotional events leading up to the fight.

Checklist

Check your ticket status for the rescheduled fight.
Look out for announcements regarding undercard fights.
Research both fighters’ backgrounds and fighting styles.
Plan your travel in advance for the new fight date.
Follow boxing news for any updates or changes in fight schedules.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the fight has now been rescheduled, there are inherent risks associated with injuries in boxing. Itauma's recovery timeline may fluctuate, and unforeseen complications could arise, impacting his ability to perform. Additionally, fight cancellations or further rescheduling may occur, depending on the circumstances leading up to the event. Fans should remain flexible and prepared for any changes.

Bottom line

The postponement of Moses Itauma's fight against Jermaine Franklin to 28 March underscores the unpredictable nature of professional boxing. As Itauma aims to recover fully and prepare for a significant challenge, the boxing community eagerly anticipates what this bout will bring. Keeping an eye on injury updates and training progress will be crucial for fans and analysts alike.

FAQs

What is Moses Itauma's current fight record?

Moses Itauma currently holds an unbeaten record of 13 wins, with 11 of those victories coming by knockout.

Why was the fight with Jermaine Franklin postponed?

The fight was postponed due to an injury sustained by Itauma during training, prompting the promoters to reschedule it for 28 March.

What should fans do regarding tickets for the rescheduled fight?

Fans should check their ticket status and follow updates from promoters regarding any changes related to the event.