Dillian Whyte has offered a scathing verdict of Anthony Joshua after his win over American heavyweight, Jermaine Franklin.
Whyte brought Franklin to British shores last November, fighting to a majority decision win in which many fans felt could have been a loss. Franklin himself called it a robbery.
Fast forward five months, and the American was back in London to face ‘AJ.’ Whilst the two-time world champion boxed to a unanimous decision victory – a more conclusive result than Whyte achieved – ‘The Bodysnatcher believes he’s lost vital components.
He told the BBC that Joshua was shell-shocked.
“Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts. If he doesn’t want to do it any more, I think he should stop.”
“Every time Franklin shaped up like he was going to hit him, he hesitated. I’ve never seen him like that, he’s a bit shell-shocked.”
If Whyte’s analysis is correct, it’s a good time for him to step up and rematch Joshua.
The pair fought for the British title back in 2015, resulting in a seventh round knockout win for Joshua. Whyte has been keen to run it back ever since, and may get his shot this summer.
Whilst Eddie Hearn – the man who promotes both men, Joshua longterm and Whyte ad hoc – is open to making the Tyson Fury fight for ‘AJ’, a second fight with Whyte is firmly on the table, too.
In fact, many fans believe Whyte is the correct next step for Joshua, who showed signs that there was more work to be done under new coach, Derrick James.
The Franklin fight gives him his first win since a stoppage over Kubrat Pulev back in 2020, and kick starts this latest chapter of his career.