Moses Itauma, the 21-year-old British heavyweight, continues his meteoric rise, most recently securing a fifth-round knockout against Jermaine Franklin on March 28, 2026. This victory marks the first time Franklin, with a 27-fight record, has been stopped. Itauma, now 14-0 with 10 KOs, has now stopped his last nine opponents inside two rounds prior to the Franklin bout. This latest performance further bolsters the hype surrounding a potential world title shot within the next year, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, reportedly building fighters specifically to challenge him.
In contrast, fellow British heavyweight Leo Atang, 19, is advocating for a more deliberate progression in his own career. While acknowledging the comparisons to Itauma, Atang emphasizes a preference for a "slow route" in his development, aiming to build steadily rather than rush towards a premature confrontation. Atang views Itauma's rapid progress as a benchmark, but insists on developing at his own pace, resisting pressure for an immediate showdown. This measured approach comes as Atang himself has maintained an undefeated record, showcasing a "calm, calculating manner" in his fights.
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Itauma's Trajectory: A New Standard?
Itauma's career, guided by trainer Ben Davison, has been characterized by swift stoppages. Even against Jermaine Franklin, an opponent known for his resilience, Itauma inflicted a decisive defeat. Franklin was knocked down in the third round before being stopped by a combination of an uppercut and a right hand. This latest win places Itauma firmly in the conversation for future championship bouts, with figures like Turki Alalshikh, a prominent Saudi boxing organizer, already earmarking him as a potential challenger for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Itauma himself has expressed a desire to "prove he can do what he thinks he can," with Franklin seen as a suitable test for his capabilities.
Atang's Deliberate Path
Leo Atang, who debuted professionally without prior senior amateur experience, has maintained a different tempo. He has expressed that while he doesn't shy away from the idea of fighting Itauma, the timing needs to be right, advocating for a process of "building." This perspective contrasts with Itauma's faster progression, leading Atang to comment that he is "going for the more slow route." Despite the burgeoning rivalry narrative, Atang is keen to temper expectations, stating, "I've got to live up to what Moses Itauma's done," while simultaneously stressing his own developmental timeline.
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Background Dynamics
The burgeoning heavyweight division sees Moses Itauma emerge as a significant prospect. His trainer, Ben Davison, also works with established figures like Anthony Joshua and Fabio Wardley, and has experience with Tyson Fury. Itauma's early career was marked by tournament wins and sparring sessions with former world champions. Meanwhile, Leo Atang, despite being younger, has garnered attention for his polished style, leading to inevitable comparisons. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly acknowledged both Itauma and Atang as talents he is actively developing within his stable, hinting at potential future matchups within Matchroom's roster.
