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:
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Anthony Joshua more cautious in Round 3 against Jermaine Franklin
Joshua lands a big right to end the third, but Franklin takes it well.
He’s loading up plenty himself more active in that round and might just have done enough to pinch it.
Joshua taking in the instructions from James in the corner, gulping water.
Anthony Joshua more cautious in Round 3 against Jermaine Franklin
Joshua waiting for Franklin to rise from his corner, then rushes out, high guard, waiting for the American to lead this time.
Small steps laterally to change the angles. The big right over the top misses, now Franklin is throwing more, is he gaining in confidence? Now a left misses and Joshua counters with the right.
Wild swings from Franklin, but Joshua cannot capitalise, more cautious in the third.
Anthony Joshua builds rhythm with jab in Round 2 against Jermaine Franklin
Joshua now building momentum, this is lovely boxing.
The jab is coming back fast and then stunning upstairs and downstairs. Franklin missing mostly.
AJ’s new trainer Derrick James begging his pupil to jab.
Now the big overhand right, but Franklin slips inside the eye of the storm, but AJ is happy to adjust the plan, revealing the signature uppercut for the first time.
James screaming once more: “stop the jab, stop the jab.”
Is Joshua’s nose a problem? It’s blown up slightly and has a reddened filter all of a sudden.
Anthony Joshua content after Round 1 against Jermaine Franklin
A sense of jeopardy, the tension is real, less chants now as Franklin bounces, squatting low and looking to project dangerous counters.
Joshua even absorbs a short left, a reminder that he cannot walk through his opponent.
But that’s a bright start, confident.
“One round at a time,” Joshua remarks.
Anthony Joshua on front foot in Round 1 against Jermaine Franklin
Joshua out nice and early with the jab.
Composed and pushing Franklin onto his backfoot.
But Franklin paws out a left of his own. The clubbing left hook leading for AJ too. Then popping the right, but not with everything behind it.
Joshua is imposing himself, behind the lead jab, but he's towering over Franklin and looking to find a crack in the American’s armour.
A few slight pivots and the lateral movement begins at the end of the second minute. Then the left off the jab, but Franklin is slippery and goes underneath, attacking AJ’s body.
Anthony Joshua faces Jermaine Franklin in must-win fight
An electric atmosphere, Joshua composed.
Here we go!
Anthony Joshua faces Jermaine Franklin in must-win fight
Joshua has made his way to the ring, to a huge ovation!
The main event is seconds away!
Conor Benn slaps away microphone while refusing interview at the O2
A bit of news from the O2 Arena...
Conor Benn slaps microphone after refusing interview at Anthony Joshua fight
The Briton, who returned two adverse drug-test results last year, rejected Talk Sport’s advances to speak at The O2
Anthony Joshua faces Jermaine Franklin in must-win fight
Another excerpt from that interview with Franklin: “My little sister probably is the loudest, you can hear her anywhere; she could be in the nosebleed seats, you’d hear her!”
I think I just heard her scream, very loudly...
Meet Jermaine Franklin, a soft soul with heavy hands meant for Anthony Joshua
Interview: The American looks ahead to the biggest fight of his career, against ‘AJ’ in London on Saturday
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