Anthony Joshua is set to return to the boxing ring on April 1st, as he faces off against Jermaine Franklin at the O2 in London. This marks Joshua’s first non-title fight in over seven years.
The former unified heavyweight world champion suffered two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, ending his run of 12 straight championship-level fights.
After his second loss to Usyk, Joshua made a peculiar speech in the ring, and then broke down in tears during the post-fight press conference. Despite some suggesting he take a break from boxing, he initially insisted on jumping straight into a fight with Tyson Fury, but negotiations broke down and the fight did not come to fruition. Joshua now has a new head coach, Derrick James, as he prepares for his return, News About Nigeria, reports.
Jermaine Franklin, who was 21-0 before his last fight against Dillian Whyte, will be Joshua’s opponent. Although he lost the fight by majority decision, some felt that Franklin deserved the victory.
In a statement, Joshua expressed his excitement for the fight, saying, “I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 London. Mentally and physically, I feel ready.” Franklin, on the other hand, declared, “It’s my time to shock the world!”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, spoke on the DAZN Boxing Show, saying, “Get ready for the return of Anthony Joshua. He has an impressive record, having defeated some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, including Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz Jr. The disrespect for this man’s name is unbelievable, but what I’m telling you is, get ready for his return on April 1st.”
