Moses Itauma vs Jermain Franklin headlines Frank Warren’s 45-year celebration

Frank Warren is marking 45 years in the promoting game by bringing his Magnificent 7 series back to Manchester — and he’s not easing into 2026 quietly.

The Co-op Live Arena will host the latest installment on Saturday, January 24, live and exclusive on DAZN. The main event? Heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma against American Jermain Franklin in a test that’ll show how far the young Brit’s power really goes.

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Moses Itauma gets his next big test in Franklin

At just 20 years old, Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) already looks like the sport’s next big heavyweight star. He blitzed Dillian Whyte in one round last time out — a demolition that sent a message across the division. Now, he takes on the battle-tested Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs), who’s only ever lost on points to Whyte and Anthony Joshua. The Michigan man has won three on the bounce since, and he’s no easy night for anyone.

This one’s a proper acid test for Itauma, who’s been tearing through everyone put in front of him. Franklin’s durable, experienced, and knows how to make you work.

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The Undercard

The undercard packs plenty for the diehards. Willy Hutchinson (19-2, 14 KOs) faces Ezra Taylor (13-0, 9 KOs) in a British light heavyweight scrap that could steal the show. Hutchinson looked sharp stopping Mark Jeffers, while Taylor handled Steed Woodall — both fights ended inside the distance.

There’s also an all-British featherweight clash between Zak Miller (17-1, 3 KOs) and Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs). Davies, the former IBO, British, and European champ, moves up looking to grab more gold.

At middleweight, Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBO Global belt against Brad Pauls (20-2-1, 11 KOs) — Sheffield vs Cornwall, youth vs grit. Thompson’s been on a roll since joining Queensberry and will want to make a statement.

Nathan Heaney (19-1-1, 6 KOs) also returns, backed by his raucous Stoke following, taking on Gerome Warburton (16-2-2, 2 KOs). Then it’s the lightweights closing the night with Alex Murphy (14-2) vs Josh Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) and Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) vs Jordan Flynn (12-1-1, 2 KOs) — both evenly matched, both eager to break out.

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Warren calls it a “statement of intent”

Frank Warren said, “We are thrilled to be delivering such a strong Magnificent 7 bounty for the fans in our first UK show of 2026. It is a statement of intent for the New Year and a sign of things to come.”

He added, “This show will also effectively celebrate my 45th year in the professional business and I believe this card certainly does justice to the occasion. I am very happy to have our heavyweight prodigy Moses topping the bill in another perfect test of his unquestionable credentials against a very tough American in Jermain Franklin.”

DAZN’s EVP Michael Ridout praised the promoter’s milestone, saying, “Frank’s 45 years as a promoter is an incredible milestone and this event is a fitting tribute to his tremendous impact on the sport. The card is stacked with world-class talent and pulsating matchups, perfectly setting the tone for a landmark year for British boxing on DAZN.”

You’ve got to give it to Warren — the man still knows how to pack a card. Itauma vs Franklin isn’t a filler; it’s a proper yardstick for a kid everyone’s already calling a future champion. If Moses walks through Franklin the same way he walked through Whyte, you’re looking at a genuine heavyweight contender before his 21st birthday.

Hutchinson vs Taylor and Miller vs Davies have bad blood written all over them. Real fights, real stakes — exactly what fans want.

Full Magnificent 7 Fight Card – Co-op Live Arena, Manchester (Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Live on DAZN)

• Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) vs Jermain Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) – Heavyweights
• Willy Hutchinson (19-2, 14 KOs) vs Ezra Taylor (13-0, 9 KOs) – Light Heavyweights
• Zak Miller (17-1, 3 KOs) vs Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs) – British & Commonwealth Featherweight Titles
• Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs) vs Brad Pauls (20-2-1, 11 KOs) – WBO Global Middleweight Title
• Nathan Heaney (19-1-1, 6 KOs) vs Gerome Warburton (16-2-2, 2 KOs) – Middleweights
• Alex Murphy (14-2) vs Josh Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) – Lightweights (English Title)
• Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) vs Jordan Flynn (12-1-1, 2 KOs) – Lightweights

Promoter: Frank Warren / Queensberry Promotions
Broadcast: Live and exclusive on DAZN
Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026