Moses Itauma's Toughest Test: Franklin Fight

0:00On March 28, Moses Iteoma, the 21-year-old British heavyweight, is turning heads as the next big thing in boxing's glamour division. He's on a nine-fight knockout streak, with every win inside the first two rounds, including a 61-second demolition of Dillian White last summer in Saudi Arabia. Undefeated in 13 pro-bouts, with 11 knockouts, he's facing American Germain Franklin this Saturday at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena. Atama's not satisfied with those quick finishes, though. Under his rabid victory over White, he felt underwhelmed, saying 14 weeks of training camp deserve more than two minutes in the ring. He craves rounds to really test himself, especially against Franklin, a 32-year-old tough guy from Michigan, who's never been stopped and has. Gone the distance with heavy hitters like Anthony Joshua and White. His story hits home because family comes first. Born to a Slovak mother and Nigerian father, Itayuma and his brothers face racism in Slovakia under the Tatra Mountains, prompting a 1,050-mile move to Chatham and Kent for better chances.

1:05That sacrifice shaped him, starting boxing at nine, going pro at 18 instead of chasing Olympics with Team GB to support his family financially. Early in his three-year pro career, he had wake-up calls, going six rounds twice against Journeyman, which humbled his world title by 20 dreams. He took accountability, linking up with trainer Ben Davison, and since then, he's been unstoppable. Boxing just 26 rounds total while building. An iron chin. Franklin's toughest test yet. But e to Ma's already eye in Croatia's Phillip Hargovic, next to bridge the gap to title fights. With levels to climb in the heavyweight jungle, this kid's just getting started, proving real prospects, grind through the family fuel and ring, reality.