American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin has admitted that deviating from his game plan played a major role in his knockout defeat to rising Nigerian-British star Moses Itauma.
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Franklin was stopped in the fifth round after a dominant display from Itauma, but in his post-fight reflection, the American was quick to acknowledge that his own decisions inside the ring contributed to the outcome.
“I went away from the plan,” he confessed, pointing to a key moment where things began to unravel.
According to Franklin, the strategy set out by his coach was designed to manage the fight more effectively, but in the heat of the moment, he strayed from those instructions, a mistake that ultimately proved costly against a disciplined and powerful opponent.
The fight reached its decisive moment when Itauma landed a knockout blow that sent Franklin to the canvas. Despite the impact, Franklin revealed that he believed he could have continued.
“I felt I could get back up,” he said, suggesting that the referee’s decision to stop the fight may have come sooner than he expected.
However, rather than dwell on the stoppage, Franklin chose to focus on what comes next.
He made it clear that he has no intention of giving up, emphasizing his determination to return stronger and learn from the experience.
“I’m not a quitter,” he insisted, reinforcing his resilience and commitment to the sport.
The defeat may be a setback, but Franklin views it as part of the journey, an opportunity to reassess, improve, and come back better prepared for future challenges.
In boxing, losses can often serve as turning points, shaping fighters into more complete competitors.
For Franklin, the focus now shifts to the “drawing board,” where adjustments will be made and lessons applied.
As he looks ahead, one thing is certain, he is not walking away.
Because in the world of boxing, it’s not just about how you fall.
It’s about how you rise again.
