The 14‑0 heavyweight, known for early finishes, dropped Franklin in round three but Franklin returned before being stopped again in round five. Itauma’s uppercut sent the 24‑3 fighter out for the count, securing the WBA International and WBO Inter‑Continental titles.
Itauma remains undefeated and has called for a bout with Filip Hrgovic, though he is slated to face Dave Allen next. The knockout cements his status as a rising star in the division.