Moses Itauma Details Bicep Tear That Delayed Jermaine Franklin Clash

LAS VEGAS — Rising heavyweight contender Moses Itauma has revealed the full extent of the bicep injury that postponed his January showdown with Jermaine Franklin Jr..

Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) on Jan. 24 in Manchester. However, just six days before fight night, the bout was scrapped after the 21-year-old Brit suffered an injury in training. The fight has since been rescheduled for March 28 at the same venue, with the original undercard intact.

According to Itauma, the injury occurred during a sparring session.

“I had a sparring session and that’s when I’d done it,” Itauma explained. “I said to Frank, ‘I’ve done this, I’ve done that’ … And then he told me to go get a scan. I was like ‘no, I’ll be alright, I’ll be alright.’”

Like many fighters, Itauma initially tried to push through the pain.

“I was trying my best to kind of recover a tear because I thought it was like a little niggle. As boxers we just carry on and push through it.”

But promoter Frank Warren wasn’t convinced.

A Grade Two Tear

After attempting to resume training, Itauma realized the issue wasn’t minor.

“The next day I woke up and I was miles better but I wasn’t fully recovered,” he said. “Then a week or so later I thought I’ll be ready and I sparred, threw a punch and I just felt that something was not correct.”

Warren insisted on a proper medical evaluation.

“He said, ‘Go get a scan, I won’t let you fight unless you get a scan.’”

The results revealed a grade two bicep tear a far more serious injury than Itauma initially believed.

“It was me trying to push through it as if nothing’s happened,” Itauma admitted.

Back in Full Training

For a time, the injury affected even basic conditioning.

“I could hardly even run,” Itauma said.

Now fully recovered, the young heavyweight is back in sparring and preparing for his March 28 return. The timing is crucial. Itauma hasn’t fought since August of last year due to injuries and difficulties securing the right opponent. Despite the inactivity, he remains widely regarded as one of boxing’s most promising heavyweight prospects.

Franklin represents a meaningful step up in experience and durability. The American has shared the ring with top-level heavyweights and brings a sturdy resume into Manchester.

For Moses Itauma, the bout is more than just a comeback. It’s a reminder that patience especially at heavyweight can be just as important as power. And after nearly forcing himself into the ring injured, the 21-year-old now understands that sometimes the smartest punch is the one you don’t throw.