Anthony Joshua took time away from his Texas training camp to appear at the official press conference in London for his fight with Jermaine Franklin.
Accompanied by new coach, Derrick James, the former unified champion said he was ‘focused and locked in’ for April 1 at the O2 Arena, claiming that this is the most seriously he’s taken the sport since the beginning of his career.
“I’m not there to go out for coffees and talk about b******t. I’m there to f***ing work, put my head down and get ready for a fight.”
He then warned Franklin that watching his performances on tape – particularly the loss to Andy Ruiz Jr – wouldn’t prepare the American for what he would face in the ring.
🗣️ "Derrick has some tricks up his sleeve, we're looking forward to April!" – @anthonyjoshua#JoshuaFranklinpic.twitter.com/E8J1jHVgwM
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 9, 2023
Joshua admitted that he had put his heart back into the sport of boxing, but also said that money was the motivation.
James, who was named Trainer of the Year in 2022 by various outlets, said he had been impressed by ‘AJ’ in the short time they’ve had together, highlighting his ‘intellectual’ ability to take on instructions.
“The world hasn’t seen the best Anthony Joshua … I know that Jermaine Franklin’s a very good fighter, so I take it very serious and I know Anthony’s taking it very serious. He has a lot to prove, and I think that he will be the guy he’s supposed to be out there on the night of the fight.”
🗣️ "I know Franklin is a good fighter, we're taking this serious. He has a lot to prove" – Derrick James#JoshuaFranklinpic.twitter.com/46sJmSy0RI
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 9, 2023
The man looking to spoil the party is Franklin, who was handed the first defeat of his career by Dillian Whyte on these shores back in November of 2022. His performance, though, was impressive enough to warrant this opportunity – and it’s one he’s keen not to miss.
“I’ve got the utmost confidence – I believe I can beat anybody … He’s a man just like I am, he bleeds the same blood.”
The pair faced off before both flying back to the States – one to Texas, one to Florida. There were no smiles, but it ended with a handshake.
🔥 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳!@anthonyjoshua & @JermaineFrankl6 meet face to face for the first time ahead of their heavyweight clash 💥#JoshuaFranklin | 📹 @MatchroomBoxing
PAY NOTHING, to join Village Gym in February https://t.co/DumFQysDvipic.twitter.com/kO4IhoAqsC
— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) February 9, 2023
The fight, which is a must-win for Joshua should he want to mix it with the very best in the division again soon, will be broadcast live on DAZN.