Whilst Anthony Joshua’s next opponent hasn’t formally been announced, all roads seem to be leading to Jermaine Franklin.
The American heavyweight fought on UK shores in November last year, coming up short against a returning Dillian Whyte. Franklin later called the result a ‘robbery’, and many fans do believe he was hard done by on the judges’ cards.
Well, it seems that he’ll get another shot at beating a big name Brit, this time against former unified world champion, Anthony Joshua.
Sportsmail today reported that the fight was a done deal and contracts were ready to be signed, and Franklin’s latest update seems to confirm that.
“Im ready for all the smoke. Big news coming up this week. I don’t play box! Time for the 989 assassin to take aim on body count #22. April 1.”
Im ready for all the smoke. Big news coming up this week. I don’t play box! Time for the 989 assassin to take aim on body count #22 April 1. @titleboxing @nxtlevelcollective @salita_promotions pic.twitter.com/geG9cyhvu8
— Jermaine Franklin Jr (Official Pg) (@JermaineFrankl6) January 23, 2023
Franklin’s tweet not only confirms he’s game and has been offered the fight, but the date of April 1. The fight will top a card at London’s O2 Arena, with Fabio Wardley, Chantelle Cameron and Felix Cash all being considered for the undercard.
It represents a fresh start for ‘AJ’, who will be returning to the sport following two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk with a new head coach and a refreshed ‘challenger’ mentality.
Franklin, who has a record of 21-1 and 14 KOs, was in his first twelve round contest with Whyte, and will enter the ring a big underdog against ‘AJ.’
Having said that, he made a much better account of himself than many expected him to last time out, and will be training to do the same, if not more, this time. A win here would change the trajectory of his career whilst completely derailing Joshua’s.