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Boxing
Can Jermaine Franklin take Moses Itauma into uncharted waters?
Itauma vs Franklin: Subscribe to watch - Saturday
Moses Itauama needs the rounds. He knows it. Frank Warren knows it. The pundits know it. The powerbrokers know it.
Most importantly, Jermaine Franklin knows it. The American slugger, a two-time Golden Gloves medalist, is no chump.
The Michigan-born prizefighter has been booked by Queensberry Promotions for one job - to give their man a real test.
Across his meteoric rise towards the heavyweight summit, Britain's Itauma has dismissed his foes with brutal efficiency.
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Dillian Whyte, a former world title challenger, was intended to be the litmus challenge last year when they met in Riyadh.
Instead, he lasted less than two minutes, practically flattened by an opponent who appeared almost nonchalent in a way.
The emotions that likely underpinned Franklin's decision to accept this bout may in part be dictated by that very result.
Old memories and new hopes
Whyte, of course, is one of the two black marks on his own professional record - and the only one he feels is duly unjust.
Post-fight stats show that Franklin outlanded his opponent that night in London. But the judges saw it differently instead.
There will be no sense of revenge that has guided his decision to take the Itauma fight, of course. This is another matter.
But somewhere in the back of his ego, there may be a satisfaction to be had if he proves his mettle to outlast Whyte here.
Because, ultimately, that's the hook. Franklin has lost twice in twenty-six bouts, his other reverse against Anthony Joshua.
He has never been knocked out in his professional career. Heck, he has never been knocked down for that matter as well.
It is a statistic he will aim to do more than just preserve against Itauma. It is the springboard for what he hopes is success.
Dark horses and fascinating moves
Plenty of folk seem quick to write Franklin off. Despite his reputation, he has ultimately never been that close to a title shot.
Itauma is not one of those people. Across the preamble, both before their aborted January dance and now, he offers respect.
It is more than a simple appreciation for the elders of a sport where he, in many regards beyond age, is still a novice player.
Even as he believes in his power to secure victory, Itauma recognises that this is a different level than he has faced before.
He expects to be forced into deeper waters - and Franklin believes that he can do that too, with all of his heart and his might.
It tees up a fascinating bout, which will come at the end of a fascinating week for both men as they begin the final countdown.
When the dust settles, the odds suggest Itauma will be standing. But Franklin will be determined to ensure he is on his feet too.
Watch Itauma vs. Franklin with a DAZN subscription
Knockout sensation Moses Itauma faces his toughest test against Jermaine Franklin this Saturday night, March 28. Watch exclusively with a DAZN Ultimate subscription to also get PPVs Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) included.
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