Anthony Joshua’s next fight officially announced with AJ facing Jermaine Franklin on April 1 in London in first bout since losing to Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua will face Jermaine Franklin on 1 April as he begins his comeback following successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
The former unified heavyweight world champion will appear at the O2 in London for his first non-title fight in more than seven years as he takes on the American contender who was last seen battling Dillian Whyte in November.
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AJ boxed at championship level for 12 straight fights before his run ended with Usyk taking his titles in 2021 and retaining them in their rematch last August.
Following his second defeat to the Ukrainian, Joshua caused concern with a bizarre speech in the ring before later breaking down in tears at the post-fight press conference.
While some suggested he needed a lengthy break from boxing, the Brit instead insisted he wanted to jump straight into a fight with Tyson Fury when the Gypsy King offered it to him for December.
In the end, negotiations broke down and this didn't materialise, prompting AJ to take a little more time away from the sport before now making his return.
AJ also has a new trainer after Derrick James was appointed as his head coach.
Franklin was 21-0 before stepping up as the opponent for Whyte last time out.
Though he ultimately lost by majority decision, some observers felt the American had done enough to deserve the victory.
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“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 London.” Joshua said in a statement.
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“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 great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Franklin said: “I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division. Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world!"
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Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn made his feelings clear the DAZN Boxing Show: “I wanna say one thing – get ready for the return of Anthony Joshua.
“We live in a mad world. This guy has gone on a run where he has beaten Charles Martin, Dominic Breazeale, Eric Molina, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam, Andy Ruiz Jr, Kubrat Pulev, and fought Oleksandr Usyk twice – with no breaks, no easy nights.
“He comes off the back of one good fight with Usyk and one where he was dominated, he’s fought the pound-for-pound number one back-to-back.
“The disrespect on this man’s name is unbelievable. And I don’t care at the end of the day.
“But what I’m telling you people who wanna downplay his achievements, people who want to say he’s finished in the sport – get f***ing ready for the return of Anthony Joshua on April 1."
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