Promoter Dmitry Salita believes Jermaine Franklin will halt Dillian Whyte when the heavyweight pair clash in Wembley on Saturday.
Franklin looks to secure a career-best victory when he takes on former world title challenger, Whyte at the OVO Arena, live on DAZN.
The unbeaten American is at least a 6/1 underdog to pull off a shock upset over ‘The Body Snatcher’, who is looking to bounce back after defeat to WBC champion, Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in April.
Salita feels his charge Franklin, who has fought once in three years – the last a fifth round stoppage over Rodney Moore in May – will announce himself to the division with victory over the home favourite.
“I believe that Dillian lost a bit of a step,” Salita told proboxing-fans.com on Wednesday.
“Getting knocked out cannot be good for you.
“I believe Jermaine is hungrier, more focused, understands that his career is finite, that time is of the essence.
“I believe that a new star is going to be born on Saturday night.”
The 40-year-old, former world title challenger-turned promoter clashed with Whyte at Thursday’s press conference appearing to push the 34-year-old as he came face-to-face with Franklin.
Security separated the pair after Whyte retailed with a push back on Salita, although both teams continued to argue back-and-forth before Whyte was ushered out of the room.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that the winner will face Anthony Joshua next and Salita believes ‘989 Assassin’ will become the fourth person to stop Whyte behind Joshua, Fury and Alexander Povetkin.
“I believe it’s Jemraine’s fight to win after the third round,” he added.
“The test is going to be if Jermaine can take Dillian’s explosiveness in the beginning and if he can handle his power and be able to punch him back and hit him back.
“I believe that Dillian gets sloppy after the third round and his punch resistance goes down.
“Jermaine gets stronger. His stamina is very good. He throws punches in bunches.
“I believe Jermaine stops Dillian Whyte somewhere between the fifth and the tenth round.”
Watch the full interview with Dmitry Salita below:
