Boxing World Reacts To Anthony Joshua’s Performance Against Jermaine Franklin

Anthony Joshua defeated Jermaine Franklin on his first return to the ring since back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua himself was disappointed he couldn’t get the knockout, allowing Franklin to hear the final bell. There was no doubt who won the fight with official scores of 118-111, 117-111, 117-111.

British rival Dillian Whyte, who has been tipped to fight Joshua next, wasn’t impressed with the performance and says ‘the aggression has gone’ from the former heavyweight champion.

Here’s what some of the boxing world made of Joshua’s comeback.

Anthony Joshua

Momentum. pic.twitter.com/73Rwm0i04z

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) April 1, 2023

Dillian Whyte

Dillian Whyte on Anthony Joshua UD Jermaine Franklin: "I didn't think he looked particularly good tonight. He seemed a bit apprehensive. The right hand's still there and the boxing skills are still there, but the aggression is not there."

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 1, 2023

Jarrell Miller

Shout out to Franklin homie was fighting all of Britain

SAID IT SINCE DAY AJ BEEN A BI$&@@DAZNBoxing Love y’all but step y’all game up

— BIGBABYMILLER (@BIGBABYMILLER) April 1, 2023

 

Carl Frampton

He looked to be punching at the target rather than through it. 2 weeks off, then straight back to Texas with Derek James. Good win.

— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) April 1, 2023

Teddy Atlas

No change in Joshua with new trainer, he’s a typical English style fighter, very picturesque, but you can hit him standing talk. #JoshuaFranklin

— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) April 1, 2023

Otto Wallin

Joshua is not the same guy anymore. His head is gone and the stuff after the fight shows it even more. He’s feeling too much pressure

— Otto Wallin (@OttoWallin) April 1, 2023

Dan Rafael

Rd 12: Joshua 10-9. Solid performance from AJ but not great but more than enough to win. 9-3 (117-111) for AJ. #boxing #JoshuaFranklin

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 1, 2023

Enzo Maccarinelli

117-111 about right it was competitive but Aj pulled away 2nd half but he looked gun shy his punches at times were coming back faster than they were going out has to rid that mentality

— Enzo Maccarinelli ????????? (@theRealEnzoMac) April 1, 2023