Jermaine Franklin aims to take Moses Itauma into uncharted waters: ‘It’s going to be a big shock’

Jermaine Franklin is ready to test Moses Itauma

Heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KO’s) has finally found an opponent and will make his ring return on January 24 against veteran Jermaine Franklin (24-1, 15 KO’s).

The 20-year-old last fought in August, devastating Dillian Whyte within a round at the ANB Arena, Riyadh .

He now heads to Manchester to take on Franklin, in what is being billed as the biggest test of Itauma’s career.

The American is a durable opponent, having gone the distance with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in the past.

While Itaum’a may trump his heavyweight foe when it comes to skillset, fans are hoping we might finally see how the youngster reacts when taken past the first few rounds of a fight.

And Franklin has echoed this incentive, revealing that he is planning on dragging Itauma into uncharted territory.

"I try to see what he can do well and what he doesn't do well, and then I use my experience to be able to trap him in place or capitalise when he makes those mistakes," the American told Sky Sports .

"When you're going hard for five or six rounds and then you've got to go another five or six rounds, your body starts to wear down a little bit. Why am I feeling like this? It can play mental games on you if you're not physically ready.

"I already know what it feels like. It's going to be a big shock. It's not going to affect him too much until he starts getting hit. When he starts getting hit in the later rounds, his body's going to start reacting. Once you don't have the same energy, your body kind of reacts differently.

"I'm going to be the only tough opponent he's actually had. You guys are going to see me beat up on him.

"I feel like I'm going to be able to show stuff that I never got to show before."