Franklin is very slow to get back up from his stool for this round and is breathing very heavily. Itauma also looks a little tired but remains comfortable in this contest.

I've not got the full statistics to hand at the moment but Itauma might already have thrown more punches in this bout than he did in his last three combined.

A huge uppercut buckles Franklin's legs! He's down!

Image source, Queensberry

Itauma is caught cleanly for the first time by a right hook and lets out a little smile. He's firmly on top and needs to avoid any complacency.

Franklin appears to have recovered from the previous round but the fight remains on the same trend, with Itauma dictating the tempo and controlling the space.

The American is backed into the corner again but has learned his lesson and fights his way out. Itauma sends him back to the ropes with a one-two and then has to move quickly to get out of range as Franklin comes back swinging.

Image source, Queensberry

Fabio Wardley
World champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

We're getting a lot of what we expected from this fight. Itauma really sharp, really crisp with his work. Franklin is proving that he is as tough as they come. I expect this to go a little further.

It was a right hook that did the damage late in that round as Franklin was backed up in the corner.

The shot landed right behind the American's ear.

Is the end in sight? Franklin makes it to the bell and the fight goes on.

Image source, Queensberry

Itauma did look to be breathing a little heavily between rounds and he's listened to his trainer as he takes a more patient approach.

As I say that, Itauma sends Franklin down to the canvas.

The American beats the count.

Richie Woodhall
Former boxing world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Give Franklin credit, he came back the last 15 or 20 seconds. Itauma is blowing a little bit in his corner, he's had to work. This is going to warm up.

"It's a breakdown job," says Itauma's trainer Ben Davison.

There has been so much talk about Itauma getting some much-needed time in the ring tonight and Davison is just reminding his fighter to take his time.

The jab is there all day for Itauma and he's using it to set up his power punches. Franklin has eaten some big shots and is looking very flat-footed already.

One, two, three jabs slip through Franklin's guard and crash off the chin.

Franklin's hands drop and Itauma is sharp to punish him with a left hook. Franklin's head rocks back and he sticks out his tongue.

A straight left rattles bounces off Franklin's jaw and he shakes his head almost in disbelief.

Image source, Queensberry

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Unbelievable speed, unbelievable power, Franklin has no idea what's happening. He nearly went down for the first time in his career. He has never been in the trouble he's already in in this fight.

Itauma has built a reputation for picking up early stoppages, so how does Franklin approach this?

Franklin stands off as Itauma takes the centre of the ring and quickly settles with a heavy left rocking his American opponent.

Itauma doesn't rush his work, though, and takes a step back to size up Frankling again.

Great variety of work from Itauma as he stabs to the body and then comes back up top. A right jab and left hook also land clean.

Itauma works right to the bell and Franklin somehow manages to keep his feet under serious pressure.

Fantastic first round from the Briton.

Image source, Queensberry

Final instructions from the referee and a touch of gloves.

Here we go...

Image source, Queensberry

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport boxing journalist at Co-op Live Arena, Manchester

Looking too far in the future can be dangerous, especially in the heavyweight division, but a Moses Itauma defeat tonight would be a huge shock.

Itauma is unbeaten as a professional and amateur. So if - as expected - he gets the job done, what’s next?

A world title shot feels premature. A clash with stablemate Fabio Wardley - with them both being trained by Ben Davison - won't happen anytime soon.

And unified champion and all-time great Oleksandr Usyk has already cooled talk of facing the young challenger.

The smarter route is gradual progression. Itauma has already said he has one eye on Filip Hrgovic, which would be a decent step up.

For now though, all eyes on tonight. Will we get another quick finish? Or a new chapter in his development?

Moses Itauma might be a southerner - based in Kent - but he's getting a warm reception and the full backing from the Manchester crowd.

The same can't be said for the American Jermaine Franklin who is roundly booed as his record is announced.

Image source, Queensberry

Moses Itauma has only stepped into the ring on 13 occasions as a professional but he's already got a vast selection of knockouts on his highlight reel.

We've picked out what we believe are his top five - what do you think?