LONDON — The fight on Saturday was largely about Anthony Joshua beginning a new chapter after losing his title as the former heavyweight unified champion.
Eight months had passed since the British heavyweight, who was once regarded as unbeatable and immaculate, made a humiliating speech in the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unable to control his emotions and appearing to be broken after suffering his second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Hence, this matchup versus Jermaine Franklin was about redemption—a chance to restore his reputation and, more importantly, get back on the winning side of things.
In short, despite not in the manner he preferred, he succeeded in achieving that with a unanimous decision victory.
Joshua relished the familiar surroundings at the O2 Arena in London. He made his professional debut in this arena, and it was also where he won his first world championship. In 2016, he defeated Dominic Brezeale in the seventh round in a Knockout match to win his last fight in this city. This was only two fights prior to his career-changing victory over Wladimir Klitschko. Also, he didn’t have to worry about defending his world title tonight, which, according to him in the lead-up, was a weight off his big shoulders.
Joshua claimed that winning was the only thing that mattered prior to the bout, but that isn’t entirely accurate. He required a show-stopping win, similar to his five-fight winning streak at the O2, where he three times knocked out opponents in the first two rounds.
Joshua’s deadly straight right had been his signature move during those years of starvation, and on Saturday, at his heaviest weight in his career (255.4 pounds), it was anticipated that he would try to cause harm. It did not occur. Even Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, acknowledged that Joshua was “decent but not extraordinary.”
He didn’t land any powerful blows that knocked Franklin to the ground, and he didn’t appear at ease like someone who should be a step above their adversary. Franklin deserves praise for helping to keep Joshua uncomfortable as well.
Referring to his remarks after the Usyk rematch, Joshua began his post-fight interview by saying, “Last time I had the mic it was a touch hectic, but now I’m calm.”
Franklin did great, said Joshua. I admire him for doing that. His squad was ready for the fight. I should have knocked him out, but what can I say? It’s over and on to the next.
Joshua’s battle on Saturday was also his first non-PPV match in the UK in more than seven years, and after the conclusion of the match, he evaded several questions on his chances against the best competitors in the division.
Joshua called out his British opponent, Tyson Fury, who he had attempted to fight in December but their negotiations broke down, as he concluded his in-ring speech. The “ball is in [Fury’s] court,” he stated, adding that it would be a “honour” to compete for Fury’s WBC world title.
Yet, is that the best choice for his upcoming fight?
Hearn was less forceful, and he probably has a point. He asserted that it would be more prudent to continue training under the guidance of Derrick James and look for a matchup with Dillion Whyte.
Derrick James is 100% correct; we should give AJ more time. “AJ’s answer is 100% [to fight Fury]. He would have accepted the fight in December but it wasn’t the perfect time to do it.
