Eddie Hearn has revealed what he’s said to Jermaine Franklin ahead of his upcoming fight against Dillian Whyte.
The two heavyweights will come together at Wembley Arena on 26th November, with the winner poised to fight Anthony Joshua in his first fight since losing his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in August in Saudi Arabia.
With IFL TV, Hearn discussed his communication with Franklin ahead of the fight next week, and why the incentive he has provided makes it tougher for Whyte.
“I said at the head to head yesterday [to Franklin] ‘If you win this fight, you’re fighting Anthony Joshua, and you’re getting seven figures plus and you’re about to change your life.’
“It’s a very, very dangerous fight [for Whyte].”
Whyte returns to the ring just a stone’s throw away from the venue of his last fight, where he was knocked out in the sixth round by Tyson Fury when challenging for the ‘Gyspy King’s WBC belt at the national stadium. He’s been vocal about his desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, and knows that a win here is a big piece of that puzzle.
Despite being just one win from fighting one of the biggest stars in boxing, it must be said that Franklin’s resume isn’t on par with his opponent’s.
His most notable win came against Jerry Forrest in July 2019. He returned to the ring for the first time in almost three years in May when he stopped Rodney Moore. He now boasts a record of 21-0 with 14 knockouts.
With that undefeated record, Whyte recognises that the American is ‘dangerous’ – stating that he doesn’t know how to lose, and that makes him better.
If the opportunity to face a UK boxing icon in a huge pay-per-view event wasn’t enough motivation to best Whyte on the night, the ‘989 Assassin’ will also be earning £1 million+ in by far the biggest payday of his career. Whyte and Franklin face off on November 26, live on DAZN.