Ivan Dychko vs. Jermaine Franklin Set for Sept. 13 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV, USA - The heavyweight division’s “just outside the top 30” battleground gets the spotlight when towering Kazakh contender Ivan Dychko 15-0 (14 KOs) takes on American spoiler Jermaine Franklin 23-2 (15 KOs) on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The bout lands on the undercard of the blockbuster Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford super-middleweight title clash — one of the year’s biggest cards.

Both men are considered top-50 heavyweights. This fight offers the winner a significant step closer to a true top-30 ranking, and the loser a steep climb back from relevance.

Ivan Dychko: The Giant Question

At 6’9” with a decorated amateur background — including two Olympic bronze medals (2012, 2016) — Ivan Dychkohas been one of the most physically imposing prospects in recent years. His jab–right hand combination is a blueprint weapon, and he has stopped nearly all of his opponents.

Yet, Dychko’s professional run has been slow-burning. He’s had long layoffs and few opponents who could push him deep into fights. Against Franklin, he’ll be facing a man who has gone the distance with both Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, and who has never been stopped.

Strengths:

• Elite height/reach and a punishing jab.
• Straight right hand with genuine knockout power at range.
• Range control and amateur polish.

Questions:

• Can he maintain output and sharpness beyond six rounds?
• How will he handle Franklin’s inside pressure and body work?
• How will his chin respond if Franklin lands flush?

Jermaine Franklin: The Durable Disruptor

Jermaine Franklin has built his reputation as one of the division’s most difficult outs. His composed, high-guard style, neat counter right hand, and ability to handle big occasions have seen him go the full 12 with elite opposition. He’s rarely flustered, durable, and knows how to keep fights competitive.

Strengths:

• Proven durability against elite names.
• Compact counter-punching and solid inside work.
• Calm under fire, knows how to steal moments in rounds.

Challenges:

• Gives up significant height and reach to Dychko.
• Sometimes starts slow, risking early round deficits.
• Needs to be in top physical shape to apply sustained pressure.

Keys to Victory

For Dychko:

1. Keep Franklin at range with a busy jab.
2. Meet entries with hard, straight shots, then tie up.
3. Maintain discipline late — no sagging on the ropes.

For Franklin:

1. Double jab to the chest to get inside the 1–2.
2. Target the body early to sap the big man’s stamina.
3. Increase output after Round 5, making it a fight of attrition.

Why This Matters

Franklin was recently floated as the perfect “rounds provider” for rising phenom Moses Itauma, but this booking removes him from that conversation for now. A win here could vault Franklin back into the mix for higher-paying top-15 fights. For Dychko, this is a litmus test — a chance to prove his early knockouts can translate against a seasoned, durable opponent.

At Allegiant Stadium, under the bright lights of one of boxing’s biggest events, both men have the opportunity to redefine their place in the division.