Anthony Joshua announced on Monday that he will soon return to action after twice defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk. The British boxer will face American Jermaine Franklin in London on April 1.
Anthony Joshua announced on his Twitter account on Monday that he will face American Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London on April 1. The Briton, the former world heavyweight champion (24 wins, including 22 by KO, 3 losses), is set to return to the ring after two straight wins over Ukrainian southpaw Oleksandr Usyk, the latest in Saudi Arabia last August.
The Watford native has long been in talks with reigning WBC champion Tyson Fury to host an All-British bout, but the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement. The 28-year-old Franklin (21 wins, 14 KO’s, 1 loss) will thus be the first opponent for AJ’s return to the highest level, and he is still looking for a 2020 victory over Kubrat Pulev. a victory.
no early retirement
Joshua maintains an impressive figure at the age of 33, weighing 110kg and standing 1.98m tall. Franklin was in the crowd when he lost to Dillian White at London’s Wembley Stadium in November, the American’s first (and so far only) defeat.
Before Joshua lost to Usyk by split decision in Jeddah last year, there were rumors that the former Olympic champion might quit boxing. But his third loss did not make him retire early. In his tweet, Joshua announced his return to the O2 Arena for the first time since 2016. His words were: “New Dawn” (“A new dawn”).