Moses Itauma will be back in the ring in early 2026 against a man who has faced both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.
Itauma, who blew away Whyte in a round in August, will return against Jermaine Franklin on January 24 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, live on DAZN.
Franklin, 32, suffered a controversial points loss to Whyte in November 2022, before losing a unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in April 2023.
The Michigan man has won three on the bounce since, beating Ivan Dychko on points in Las Vegas in September.
Itauma, the rising 20-year-old prospect, was expected to face WBA ‘regular’ champion, Kubrat Pulev after the WBA ordered the pair to fight on October 15 and gave the parties 30 days to agree to terms.
However, Pulev opted to make a defence of his belt against Murat Gassiev on December 12 in Dubai, leaving Itauma to make alternative plans whilst he waits for his shot.
The card which is billed ‘Magnificent 7’ and features a light heavyweight contest between Willy Hutchinson and Ezra Taylor in the chief support, marks Frank Warren’s 45th year as a promoter.
“We are thrilled to be delivering such a strong Magnificent 7 bounty for the fans in our first UK show of 2026,” Warren said.
“It is a statement of intent for the New Year and a sign of things to come.
“We are delighted with what we have put together across 2025 in tandem with our new broadcast partner DAZN, but we have the scope to go bigger and further in 2026, which we will do and make it a landmark year for the sport.
“This show will also effectively celebrate my 45th year in the professional business and I believe this card certainly does justice to the occasion and I am very happy to have our heavyweight prodigy Moses topping the bill in another perfect test of his unquestionable credentials against a very tough American in Jermaine Franklin.”
Itauma is the number one contender with the WBO to undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk and the Brit called out the 38-year-old following his win over Whyte.
Usyk, who revealed he will continue fighting until he’s 41-years-old, has ruled out a showdown with Itauma.
“No, I won’t fight Itauma,” he told Ready To Fight.
“He’s young, always teasing me.
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“And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas.
“I can’t say who exactly, because negotiations are ongoing.
“I’d be lying if I gave you a name.”
