Carl Froch has given an honest assessment on Anthony Joshua’s performance in his win over Jermaine Franklin at the 02 last night.
Although Joshua was a wide winner on all three judges’ scorecards, most feel it was not the statement showing that many of his backers hoped for after consecutive defeats Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking on Froch on Fighting, ‘The Cobra’ echoed this view, describing ‘AJ’ as being “stuck in second gear” and “limited” on the night.
“It was a performance I thought could have been better if he wanted to make a statement to the other heavyweights. It was limited, because he wasn’t busy enough.
He was happy stuck in second gear, happy to just get the win. I don’t blame him, because he’s lost his last two fights
He wanted to get the win and make a statement, but it wasn’t quite happening for him.”
Although Joshua never looked in danger of losing the fight, a stoppage never appeared to be on the horizon either, leading many observers still with the opinion he is somewhat gun-shy.
Old rival Dillian Whyte was working as part of the DAZN broadcast team, and a rematch appears to the earlier frontrunner for Joshua’s next outing.
There had been talk before the fight of attempting to negotiate a blockbuster with Tyson Fury for the summer, however promoter Eddie Hearn as admitted he would prefer Joshua has one more fight under new trainer Derrick James first.
Last night was Joshua’s first outing under the Texan, and there is a hope further improvements will be visible after the former unified world champion has spent more time under James’ tutelage.