Anthony Joshua Meets American Jermaine Franklin In His Return

Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will return from losing back to back title fights to Oleksandr Usyk in the first weekend in April against American, Jermaine Franklin.

The announcement came from Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing Monday afternoon in London,

A New Dawn 🌅 pic.twitter.com/WY9LgiYJ6D

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) February 6, 2023

From the Matchroom release,

“Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua will return to our screens on April 1 live from The O2, fighting American powerhouse Jermaine Franklin, in an all-eyes-on epic showdown. 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, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing.

Following his defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in August 2022, Joshua has reset and refocused. Now, with a single-minded and burning ambition to reclaim his World Champion title, he is on a mission to defy his critics. The eyes of the UK and the world will be on DAZN as the nation’s biggest boxing superstar returns to the ring in an unmissable comeback showdown.

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at the O2 Arena 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 & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and 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.”

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 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 & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and 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.”

The Michigan native Franklin suffered his first pro loss back in November to another Brit in Dillian Whyte after he had won his first 21 bouts.

Joshua has also reportedly been looking to replace Robert Garcia, who was in his corner for the Usyk rematch loss last August. However, he’s yet to publicly announce or be seen in a new gym with a new trainer. If Garcia is replaced, it will be the third different trainer in three fights for the former Olympic champ. He had been with England’s team coach Rob McCracken, for his entire pro career.