Joshua vs Franklin LIVE: Result, reaction and latest updates after AJ claims victory
Anthony Joshua outpointed American Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena to bounce back after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua outpointed Jermaine Franklin in London tonight as the British heavyweight got back to winning ways.
Joshua, 33, pulled off a first win since 2020 after suffering back-to-back defeats by Oleksandr Usyk, reigniting his career after emerging with a unanimous decision at The O2 in London.
The former Olympic champion, who switched his trainer to American Derrick James for this fight, secure the morale-boosting performance behind a crisp jab and a series of brutal uppercuts. American Franklin proved his worth and added to his reputation after a controversial loss to Dillian Whyte, with his leaner physique ensuring Joshua was troubled by his movement and slippery combinations.
Tonight was the first step back towards a world-title fight for Joshua, with Dillian Whyte or Tyson Fury likely next for AJ. Follow all the reaction and analysis from a thrilling night of boxing below:
Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin produce thrilling exchange in Round 10
Joshua now pushing forward and trying to release his arms, the uppercut lands and then a big right as AJ scrutinises Franklin's body language - all of a sudden he appears weary.
Massive straight right from Franklin!
Then AJ lands the uppercut, this is tremendous action in the 10th, it’s caught fire!
Franklin rolling the dice it seems, now Joshua returns to the jab. Round of the fight so far.
That uppercut is doing all the damage for AJ. Tremendous action.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin involved in messy exchange in Round 9
Joshua landing plenty but Franklin not cracking just yet and has never been hurt.
Still messy, the heads are starting to come in. Franklin’s right cheek bone showing signs of bruising.
After being separated from Marcus McDonald, Franklin lands a big right. The crowd gasp, that was felt by up to 19,000 here.
Joshua trying to unleash the uppercuts when up close.
James: “Too much holding! Get back on the jab.”
Anthony Joshua lands heavy right on Jermaine Franklin in Round 8
Joshua looks confident in the corner, at peace with his work.
Bellew gives all seven rounds to Joshua so far.
Now a big right from Joshua lands, the crowd go wild.
Both men get a talking to after coming together.
It’s getting a little nasty in there now as both men wrestle. Energy-sapping work as both men clinch.
A series of uppercuts come in the final 10 seconds to halt any Franklin momentum.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin grapple in Round 7
Joshua pushing out the left but can’t put much behind it and the pair lock up in the seventh.
Joshua aiming to attack the body when up close with the American.
This has been an entertaining clash, but it’s getting ugly now as both men fatigue.
Franklin on top for spells in this round, Joshua looks heavier on his legs all of a sudden. But that’s a fine left hook on the inside.
James loves that, gleefully applauding from the corner.
“Just whip his a***,” says James as Joshua returns to his corner.
Anthony Joshua building lead over Jermaine Franklin at half-way stage
That’s nice to see, both men trade at the bell and Joshua grins after partially blocking the Franklin attack.
He’s up here, but he can’t relax.
Anthony Joshua lands classic uppercut on Jermaine Franklin in Round 6
Joshua back to the jab, it’s brutal how it bounces off Franklin’s skull.
But that right slips in from Franklin, he’s dangerous, the distance wasn’t measured accurately so Joshua absorbs the punishment well enough.
There’s the uppercut! It’s Joshua’s most memorable shot from his fine career and Franklin was rocked there.
Anthony Joshua’s nose bleeding heavily in Round 5 against Jermaine Franklin
Joshua more restrained with the left hook perhaps now.
Franklin’s movement more sudden. He looks at ease in there, a huge stage.
Joshua’s nose now pouring with blood, his corner get to work.
Anthony Joshua builds lead against Jermaine Franklin in Round 5
Tony Bellew has given Joshua every round so far, for what it’s worth.
Joshua stays loyal to the jab, that extra size not dedicated solely to power shots, then.
Franklin being set up with a more cultured gameplan.
Joshua’s timing has been impressive so far, he’s pacing this nicely, cautious about emptying the gas tank.
Anthony Joshua on top against Jermaine Franklin after Round 4
Joshua now looking to time his jab. Franklin varying his arsenal now, moving to the body and making this a gruelling affair.
The crowd now into it, Joshua with a grin at the bell.
He’s relishing this comeback fight and Franklin’s style is pleasant on the eye, flurries of shots forcing AJ to dance a little before trading up.
Joshua with the crisper, clubbing shots. But this is very competitive.
Anthony Joshua contends with confident Jermaine Franklin in Round 4
Franklin being applauded for his fast jab. James even warned Joshua about the American’s growing confidence just before coming out for this fourth stanza.
Joshua, the bigger man, opts for a breather, grappling with Franklin and puttin him in the headlock.
But the jab is sharp, stunning Franklin and forcing him to unravel a little in retaliation.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies