Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight with Jermaine Franklin following two consecutive losses to the elite Oleksandr Usyk has drawn mixed reactions from fans and pundits.
The former unified champion is out of the title picture for the first time in seven years, and has switched up his training team to try and climb back to the very top of the division.
That journey begins with American heavyweight, Jermaine Franklin, who recently lost a decision to Dillian Whyte in November of 2022.
Whilst many fans see the fight as an acceptable one given the circumstances, others have pointed to Franklin’s world ranking and his recent loss as poor matchmaking for someone of ‘AJ’s accomplishments.
Tony Bellew told the DAZN Boxing Show why he was in the former camp.
“He’s got someone who’s gonna push him. Let’s just run this back a little bit – this guy pushed Dillian Whyte all the way, it was a really close fight some think he won, some think he lost. I thought he lost but I thought it was really close.”
“I think he’ll come back and look absolutely fantastic. All the pressure’s gone now – it’s just about going in there and having a fight.”
“[Joshua] has fought the best in the world, consistently, time and time again. Anyone complaining about this opponent is absolutely mad, because just compare this to who you guys are calling the best heavyweight … and look at his resume and comeback opponents.”
The pair will face off on April 1 at London’s O2 Arena – the first time Joshua will grace that stage since 2016.
For him, the most important thing is to showcase the work that he’s been putting in with his new coach, Derrick James, and prove to fans that this campaign to become three-time world champion is a realistic one.