Anthony Joshua’s career is on the line this weekend against Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena, the boxing has been tagged a make or mar bout for the one time rave of the moment.
The main event is expected to begin around 5:30 p.m. ET on DAZN.
Anthony Joshua (24-3) has lost his two fights to heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, including a split-decision loss to Usyk in his last outing this past August.
Jermaine Franklin (21-1) is also looking to rebound from his first career loss in his last outing. Franklin lost to Dillian Whyte via majority decision this past November.
Immediately after losing to Usyk
His erratic behaviour in the direct aftermath of the second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk he regrets, but he didn’t wallow in self pity for long.
Yes, it was massively disappointing but it wasn’t as dark a time as you’d think.
“It wasn’t too dark because I’ve always just got on with it, you can’t stop, stopping is a luxury,” he says.
“Questioning myself, how do I get better, what am I looking for, what’s the purpose, why did I act like that (after the fight), if it happened again how could I do better?
Career Ending Fight ?
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn: “I’d say Joshua wins by stoppage inside seven rounds. I’m going for rounds four to six. It’s been a while since we’ve seen an early AJ stoppage but I think you’ll see one.
Unified light-middleweight champion Natasha Jonas: “AJ wins for me. I think he stops him in the middle rounds.”
5 Live analyst Richie Woodhall: “I think this is brilliant matchmaking. Franklin is only 6ft 2in. He’s fairly slow on his feet. I think this is the fight where Anthony Joshua can really shine. And really get in people’s thinking again about being the best heavyweight in the world.”
Olympic champion Lauren Price: “I’m going for an AJ stoppage. An explosive knockout would be good but he needs to win in style. It will be good for his confidence and in front of a home crowd.”
Former featherweight champion Kid Galahad: “AJ knocks him out inside five round. He’ll look sharp and devastating. I expect more focused work to the body under the stewardship of Derrick James.”