Jermaine Franklin

Bio

Right then, Jermaine Franklin from Saginaw, Michigan is what you might call a proper heavyweight test. Record of 22-2-1 with 14 knockouts doesn't scream elite, but that's exactly what makes him valuable at heavyweight. In a weight class full of young prospects and established champions, Franklin represents the kind of durable, experienced opposition that separates the serious contenders from the pretenders.

Make no mistake, Franklin's played that role beautifully. He went the distance with Anthony Joshua, which tells you everything you need to know about his durability and ring intelligence. He's not explosive like the top heavyweights, but he's got solid fundamentals, understands distance, and won't fold when pressured. That's why he's fighting Moses Itauma—you test your prospect against someone who'll make them work. Franklin will come to fight, won't embarrass himself, and will provide the kind of legitimate litmus test that shows what a young heavyweight is actually made of. He's the gatekeeper done right.