Derek Chisora has spoken out about Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight against Jermaine Franklin this weekend, and admitted there was no playing down the significance of the bout for ‘AJ.’
Franklin will be the first man Joshua has locked horns with since back to back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, with his antics after the second fight leading many to question his current state of mind.
Speaking to Matchroom Boxing at the fight week launch event, Chisora stated that the fight at the 02 Arena on Saturday night was pivotal for Joshua and that there was “no sugar coating it.”
“It’s a make or break fight for him. There’s no sugar coating this fight.
Many believe defeat in a few days time could be cause for Joshua to retire, therefore British fans will hope he has left no stone unturned as he prepares for former Dillian Whyte foe Franklin.
‘The 989 Assassin’ put in a better performance than expected against Whyte last November, with some observers even of the opinion he was hard done by not to get the decision.
Reports of a fresh legal battle with promoter Dmitry Salita are hardly ideal for a man going into the biggest fight of his life, but the American will still step into the 02 Arena on Saturday with all the confidence in the world he can upset the applecart.
However, Joshua goes into the contest a firm favourite to defeat Franklin and help propel him back towards the elite names in the blue ribbon division.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has stated a desire to make a mega fight with Tyson Fury later in the year. However, given recent events, fans should perhaps not hold their breath on this one.