Moses Itauma will defend his WBA International and WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Titles against American contender Jermaine Franklin Jr in a high-stakes clash this Saturday, March 28. The highly anticipated Heavyweight showdown headlines the return of the ‘Magnificent 7’ series at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, with the full fight card to be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, The Undisputed Global Home of Boxing.

Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) captured the Commonwealth Heavyweight title with a devastating opening-round knockout of Dillian Whyte in 2025. Currently undefeated, the 21 year-old has established himself as the most formidable rising star in boxing. Often compared to a young Mike Tyson, Itauma will be aiming for a ten-fight knockout streak this weekend. The sensational southpaw enters this contest as the heavy favourite, looking to further his claim to the throne in his toughest test to date. 

Speaking from Thursday’s press conference at the Co-Op Live, Itauma said: “Jermaine Franklin is the final piece of the puzzle,” claiming “this is the perfect fight for me”. At the end of the press conference Itauma told fans that they can expect “a masterclass in boxing” on Saturday.

Jermaine Franklin Jr (24-2, 15 KOs) brings an elite-level durability and world-class experience into this contest. Known as the ‘989 Assassin’ the 32 year-old Michigan-native has proven his credentials on British soil, having shared the ring for 12 hard fought rounds with both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Arriving in Manchester on the back of three consecutive victories, including a dominant win over the previously unbeaten Ivan Dychko, Franklin represents a significant step up in class. With his career back on an upward trajectory, the American is determined to derail the hype of the young prodigy and re-establish himself as a top-tier world title contender. 

On facing Itauma, Jermaine Franklin Jr said: “He’s ranked right up there in the division” but “I’m prepared for anything”. When asked how he feels about being coined Itauma’s “test”, Franklin said, “I feel disrespected”. 

The stacked undercard features a series of high-stakes matchups, including a British Light Heavyweight match between the explosive Willy Hutchinson and the unbeaten Ezra Taylor. In the Featherweight division, the clinical Liam Davies faces Francesco Grandelli for the EBU European title, while the Middleweight division takes center stage as the powerful Shakiel Thompson clashes with former British champion Brad Pauls. With both headliners and the supporting cast at pivotal stages of their careers, March 28 promises a compelling night of world class boxing at Co-op Live in Manchester.

Frank Warren, Chairman and Founder of Queensberry Promotions, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here in Manchester. What the concept of the Magnificent 7 has always been about is good quality matchmaking. You’re going to see something special on Saturday, on DAZN. This is going to be a great night for British boxing, a great night for world boxing.”

Fans around the world can watch Itauma vs Franklin live on DAZN on Saturday, March 28, with the PPV available to purchase on DAZN, and on Amazon through Prime Video. For DAZN subscribers this fight is available as part of your DAZN subscription. Sign up to DAZN Ultimate and get a minimum of 12 PPVs a year at no extra cost.

Upcoming fights live on DAZN, the Undisputed Global Home of Boxing include:

• Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr; for WBA International AND WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title, March 28, Manchester
• Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder; Heavyweight, April 4, London
• Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka; Heavyweight, April 25, Paris
• Conah Walker vs Sam Eggington; Welterweight, May 2, Wolverhampton
• Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois; for the WBO Heavyweight title, May 9, Manchester 
• Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello; Super Lightweight, June 6, Sheffield 

For all DAZN Fight Reports, please see here.