Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has commented on ticket sales for Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin next month, and maintains that the 02 will be sold out on the night.
Images have circulated on social media depicting swathes of seats still available for April 1st, leading fans to question just how many tickets have actually been sold.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Smith put the slow performance down to trying economic times, but remained bullish in his prediction for sales moving forward.
“It’s tough times financially, that’s something we have to appreciate. I’m very confident that, by the time April 1st comes round, you’ll see a sold out 02 – there won’t be a seat left in there.”
“I think times are changing. The big, big nights will sell immediately, and the ones like this, where people may have a preconceived idea of how the fight will go, will see some later sales.”
“By the time the show comes round, I’m sure you’re going to see a sell out”
Failing to quickly sell out the 02 will no doubt be a shock to the system for ‘AJ,’ having packed out Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff during his career.
However, he will need to stay focused on the task at hand, as defeat to Franklin would almost certainly put an end to any ambitions Joshua may have of becoming a three time world heavyweight champion.
The American gave a good account of himself in defeat to Dillian Whyte last November, so Joshua can ill afford to be distracted by conversations about his profile as he prepares for ‘The 989 Assassin.’
The fight is available for fans across the world exclusively on DAZN.