David Allen Picks the Favorite for Itauma – Franklin

British heavyweight David Allen shared his thoughts on the upcoming bout between 20-year-old prospect Moses Itauma and 32-year-old Jermaine Franklin.

“For top-level boxing, Franklin isn’t really a knockout artist, but he’s incredibly durable and, more importantly, very smart — a genuinely good fighter. I watched his last fight — I thought he lost, looked terrible, out of shape. If we see that version of Franklin, I think he’ll get stopped. I think Itauma will do what Joshua and Whyte couldn’t — stop him.

But the fight’s right before Christmas, so that’s a big ‘if.’ If Franklin comes in shape, we’ll get a lot of answers. We’ll see if Itauma can go the full distance. Franklin’s a bit like me, only better and tougher. He survives in any conditions — strong, awkward, not a puncher, but one of the best at what he does.

I think Itauma beats him on points, Franklin goes the distance. Itauma will respect him. Franklin will come ready, but Itauma still wins on points. It’s a f**ing great fight. But if Itauma smashes him, then wow — we’ll really have to start talking about him being ready for the likes of Ruiz or Bakole, or whoever’s next,” Allen said.

In August, Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) stopped Dillian Whyte in the first round.

Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) last fought in September, defeating Ivan Dychko by unanimous decision.