Itauma vs Franklin Sparks Fan Worries Over DAZN Ultimate PPV
US boxing fans are bracing for a potential $45 PPV to watch the UK’s undefeated heavyweight Moses Itauma (20) face American veteran Jermaine Franklin, fearing the Briton will be the first official pay-per-view launch under DAZN’s controversial Ultimate plan.
The bout is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, airing live exclusively on DAZN. With the DAZN Ultimate plan costing up to £22.99 per month in the UK and $44.99 in the US, and promising at least 12 PPV fights per year, fans are already concerned that the Itauma vs. Franklin card may mark the beginning of a costly new $45 per PPV model that was previously expected to make boxing more accessible.
Moses Itauma: The UK Heavyweight Rising Star
Itauma, the UK’s rising heavyweight and “wrecking machine,” enters the bout with a perfect 13-0 record (11 KOs), showcasing blistering hand speed and punishing power. With world title ambitions firmly in his sights, Itauma has already been linked to future clashes with elite heavyweights such as Oleksandr Usyk and British powerhouse Fabio Wardley.
For now, Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) stands in the way—a seasoned American campaigner coming off three consecutive wins. Franklin’s only losses came on UK soil, against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, both by decision, making him a credible, experienced test for the young Brit.
Placing this event on a PPV would almost certainly signal a long tenure on the paid platform for Itauma. If confirmed, every bout topped by the young star is likely to fall under the DAZN Ultimate plan.
Fan Concerns Over DAZN Ultimate Pricing and Balance
While the new Ultimate plan offers premium features, including HDR streaming, Dolby sound, and exclusive content, the focus for most fans remains firmly on the price. The introduction of this costly tier has many boxing enthusiasts questioning the streaming giant’s commitment to accessibility.
A comment sourced from Reddit’s r/Boxing forum summed up the widespread feeling: “We pay the subscription already; they need to pick a lane and stop charging us double.”
The concern is particularly sharp for highly relevant British domestic shows. Another long-time subscriber on a forum added: “If this Itauma fight, which most US fans haven’t heard of, is PPV, I can’t justify paying $45 a month for fights like this.” This highlights the difficulty for internationally developing fighters to justify the steep PPV cost for a U.S. audience. US fans are already juggling multiple streaming accounts.
What was expected to be a PPV-free era, following comments from Turki Alalshikh about boxing’s future, has instead seen DAZN roll out a model requiring fans to pay more. DAZN has defended the Ultimate tier, stating it is designed for the “hardcore fan” who demands the highest quality broadcasts and access to all premium events.
Itauma vs. Franklin Undercard: The Magnificent Seven
The card’s undercard is stacked with notable domestic matchups to make up the ‘Magnificent Seven’ tagline. All bouts have something different to offer fans who make the journey to Manchester.
Light Heavyweight Clash: Willy Hutchinson (19-2, 14 KOs) vs. Ezra Taylor (13-0, 9 KOs).
Featherweight Showdown: British and Commonwealth champion Zak Miller (17-1, 3 KOs) faces Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs), a former IBO world, British, and European champion at super bantamweight.
Middleweight Spotlight: WBO Global champion Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs) meets former British champion Brad Pauls (20-2-1, 11 KOs).
160lb Bout: Local favourite Nathan Heaney (19-1-1, 6 KOs) returns to the ring against Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton (16-2-2, 2 KOs).
Lightweight Contests: Alex Murphy (14-2) vs. English champion Josh Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs), and Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) vs. Jordan Flynn (12-1-1, 2 KOs).
A Statement Fight for Itauma
For Moses Itauma, this isn’t just another victory on his record. It’s a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite and to make a statement in front of a home crowd. If Itauma performs with the expected dominance, the victory will significantly increase his global recognition and validate his fast-track toward a world title shot.
The fight would become more than a competition—it would be a test of Itauma’s mettle, and a dramatic preview of how boxing’s global audience will receive the new DAZN Ultimate era.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.