By: Sean Crose
Anthony Joshua returned to the ring on Saturday when the former champion faced off against American Jermaine Franklin at the O2 arena in London. This is Joshua’s first professional fight since losing two in a row to Oleksandr Usyk.
The first inning saw the much taller Joshua play it patiently, appearing relaxed as he unleashed his jab. Franklin’s hands are fast, but he still hasn’t been shortlisted for world championships before. Joshua is looking for the time and place to strike with his powerful hits in the second. He was able to connect well around the halfway point of the chapter. However, Franklin was able to land in the last minute of the round. Joshua continued to push the action after his stab in the third round.
The pace was still pretty slow in the fourth inning. Indeed, each man appeared hesitant to let go. It looked as if Franklin simply couldn’t or couldn’t get past Joshua’s stab. Franklin was able to land well on some occasions, but he didn’t land enough. With that in mind, Joshua made a strong, straight hit to his right about half way through the round. Each of the men looked at each other and occasionally shot each other in season six.
Joshua, hoping to knock out his man, leaned on Franklin in the seventh round. Is he starting to get tired of himself? After all, he entered the fight with his heaviest weight. He went on to hold on to eighth place. It would be interesting to see Franklin become more active, but at least for now, that’s definitely not happening. By the end of the round, however, it was clear Joshua’s holdings had become excessive.
Many organizations in the ninth. It seems Joshua is willing to do whatever he can to get his people out there by taking down Franklin. Franklin was able to shake the towering Londoner at the last minute, but, again, he couldn’t put anything together. Joshua came to life on the tenth round, landing powerful and efficient. Franklin shoots back, but the round belongs to Joshua. A great body shot from the former roster looked like it could have injured Franklin in the eleventh minute. However, the Americans were able to keep fighting, if not to miraculous effect.
The twelfth and final round are not much different from most of the previous rounds. Franklin didn’t throw too many shots. Joshua stabs and holds. The British landed a slam dunk on Franklin, but Franklin stood firm – and remained standing until the final bell rang. The judges ultimately ruled in Joshua’s favor by a unanimous decision.
