Anthony Joshua returns to the ring

Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on Saturday, April 1

It’s about time: Anthony Joshua is ready for a new battle at London’s O2 Arena. AJ (24-3, 22 KOs) will face American Jermaine Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round distance match. A very important career crossroads for the Anglo-Nigerian in light of two consecutive defeats achieved with current heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

For that reason, Joshua has been preparing with great determination, as evidenced by photos on social media that highlight a less muscular physique than usual. This is to ensure greater distance endurance, one of the British boxer’s Achilles’ heels, in addition to his less-than-gritty jaw.
Franklin does not appear to be an insurmountable opponent, as he showed in his first defeat to Dillian White last Nov. 26, but he has physical features that are very reminiscent of Andy Ruiz JR.

So the home athlete will have to be very careful, not least because another defeat could spell the end of his career at a high level.

These are Joshua’s words to DAZN Boxing, one week before the fight: “I hope to be victorious on April 1, because apparently, if I lose to Franklin, my career is over, and that means no one will let me fight for prestigious fights. This is a serious fighter. This is not a comeback match and I will not lose. I have to stay focused on winning.”

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