The Wrecking Ball, 21, will face the 989 Assassin, 32, on January 24 in Manchester, UK, in what is seen as a major step up as Itauma looks to fast-track himself into world-title contention.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the Queensberry Promotions boss said: “We’ve got a really, really good quality fight with Moses against Jermaine Franklin.
“He’s never been stopped, and this is a tough fight for him. I think this is going to be the fight that will set Moses up.”
Itauma has been widely tipped as Britain’s most exciting heavyweight prospect, with his combination of speed, power and composure drawing comparisons to elite operators in the division despite his young age.
Franklin represents a different test, bringing durability and experience that Itauma has not yet faced as a professional.
Warren said: “I hope he comes through, and it will set him up this year to challenge for a world title.”
Franklin is best known in the UK for going the distance with Anthony Joshua, 36, in 2022 and later pushing Dillian Whyte, 37, in a competitive contest that many felt could have gone either way.
Warren said he believes that track record makes the fight ideal for Itauma’s development.
Asked whether the bout should be used to gain rounds, Warren said: “People say to you that you want to get rounds under you.
“But you’re putting him in with fighters that you feel he will get rounds out of, and that’s the feeling with Jermaine.
“As I say, he’s never been stopped. He’s done 12 rounds and went the distance with AJ, and that was a good AJ four years ago. Same thing with Dillian Whyte, and a lot of people thought he actually nicked that fight.”
Despite Franklin’s toughness, Warren made clear that an early finish would not be discouraged if the opportunity presents itself.
He said: “If he blasts him out in one or two rounds, I haven’t got a problem with that. You don’t get paid overtime in boxing.
“You catch them, they go, and that’s it. He’s capable of doing that. That’s why he’s so exciting and that’s why people are buying into him.”
Itauma has repeatedly stated his ambition to become a world champion in 2026, and Warren believes victory in Manchester could accelerate that timeline significantly.
He said: “It’s a great show in Manchester, it’s nearly sold out. I feel that if Moses comes through this fight, he sets himself up for fighting for a world title before the end of the year.
“Maybe even becoming the youngest Brit to ever win a world title.”
