Anthony Joshua set for April return, to fight Jermain Franklin
Joshua, A Former two-time heavyweight champion will face the American contender in London
Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) will fight at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James.
Joshua returns to the scene of his first title triumph over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed another British contender Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in all of boxing
Thus, Joshua begins his quest to return to the top of the heavyweight division after suffering consecutive losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.
This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform.
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
