By: Sean Crose
After losing two straight fights to IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua will return to the ring on April 1 to face American opponent Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena. The match will be streamed live on the DAZN streaming service, to which Joshua recently signed a five-year contract. Even after losing to Usyk in a match, Joshua is clearly still a hot commodity.
“I’m looking forward to being back in the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” Joshua said. “Mentally and physically, I feel ready. I want to show off and impress my coach because he has high standards. Franklin has good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent matches. This will be my first fight to be broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be available globally on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both me and the sport of boxing in general. I also want to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
Of course, Franklin was excited about the opportunity. “I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to claim my top spot in the heavyweight division,” he said. “Joshua had his time. It’s time for me to shock the world! This fight will not go to the judge’s card. I’ll hit number 22 on April 1. It’s not an April Fool’s joke.”
Franklin was last seen in the ring in November, where he dropped out of the showdown with Dillian Whyte after giving his longtime opponent everything he could handle. Although big names like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder are keen to see Joshua in the ring, Joshua’s team – including promoter Eddie Hearn – clearly think the best thing is for Joshua to make his way back into the world easily. of major competitions.
