Dmitry Salita, promoter of Jermaine Franklin, has told Anthony Joshua he ‘feels bad’ about some comments he’s made in the lead up to their fight.
The US-based boxer turned businessman has been hyping up the ‘AJ’-Franklin fight to the media, backing his man to win whilst claiming the Brit is on a downward trajectory in his career.
In an interview with iFL TV, Joshua was interrupted mid flow by the promoter, who shook his hand and explained that comments like the above are all business.
“I just want to say I’m a fan, you’re the man … I feel bad about saying stuff just to help the fight, you know? You are such a positive guy, man.
Even though we’re on opposite sides on this one, so there may be some trash talking, but it’s all good.”
‘AJ’ then asked about Salita’s career as a boxer turner promoter and manager, and the pair went into a deep discussion about the nature of the business and the financial side of things. Salita signed off by mentioning that there ‘may be some trash talk’, but the respect was clear.
The American who was born in Ukraine had 38 fights with just two losses, one of which came to Amir Khan. He enjoyed plenty of nights under the lights in his hometown of Brooklyn before moving on to guiding fighters on their campaigns. He currently works with Franklin, Otto Wallin, Jarrell Miller and Claressa Shields.
Franklin will face the toughest test of his career so far in a motivated Anthony Joshua. Following two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, fans are expecting a dominant win from the former champion should his goal of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion be taken seriously.
The pair clash at the O2 Arena on April 1, broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN.