On Saturday night, Jermaine Franklin, the underdog, is prepared to battle against the favorite. Anthony Joshua, in a twelve-round headliner on DAZN, with the aim of causing Joshua to suffer his third consecutive defeat.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is understandably anxious about this fight because if Anthony loses. The highly anticipated fights against Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Joe Joyce could be jeopardized, especially if Joshua decides to retire.
Franklin sees this fight as his opportunity to break into the big leagues and secure high-paying title fights against the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, a dream scenario for the “989 Assassin.”
Anthony Joshua is back at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 and is facing American contender in Jermain Franklin this Saturday 1st April 🥊💪
Catch all the action with the coverage from 8pm#Countinghouse #wakefield #boxing #livesports #sports #bar #drinks #weekend pic.twitter.com/wGAnLOsvaj
— Counting House Wakefield (@CountingHouseW) March 28, 2023
However, if Anthony (24-3, 22 KOs) chooses not to retire. There could be a well-paid rematch on the horizon for Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs) to prove that his victory was no fluke.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, is undoubtedly feeling the pressure. Knowing that a loss could mean missing out on big-money fights for his fighter.
Despite being considered the underdog, Franklin possesses skills that could pose a challenge to Joshua. Making the fight more of a toss-up than what the oddsmakers suggest.
Anthony Joshua Vs Jermaine Franklin: The Next Big War?
Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing said, “When you look at Anthony Joshua’s career on paper. It’s easy to think he’s the big favorite against Jermaine Franklin. However, in boxing, everyone raises their game, and anything can happen in one fight.”
“You start to get worried, and I do because I’m desperate to see him win.” “I’m back at the lion’s den. I feel quite normal, I feel confident, and I’m actually looking forward to the objective at hand,” said Joshua.
“I’m passionate about the sport. So my excitement is just to get in there and fight,” said Jermaine Franklin.
“I’m a calm, cool guy. I really don’t speculate too much outside of that. I’m just ready for it. I’m ready to go to war.”
According to Hearn, Anthony has revolutionized British boxing by himself. Whether you are a fan or a hater, it’s undeniable. He has packed arenas and rekindled people’s love for the sport.
Joshua believes that when you are a conqueror. You cannot become too complacent on your throne since there’s always someone coming to dethrone you. He loves life, smiles a lot, and tries to make the most of it because no one makes it out alive.
He never gets too comfortable with his position because, as he said, someone out there always wants what he has.
