Anthony Joshua Claims Essential Unanimous Decision Victory Over Jermaine Franklin

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Joshua 

Former heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua, secured an essential unanimous decision win over Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night.

Franklin, who had only lost once in 22 professional bouts, was a tough opponent for Joshua, who was seeking his first victory since 2020 following a painful loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year.

A loss would have been devastating for Joshua, but the victory was crucial for his future progression and aspirations of reclaiming a world title.

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Joshua 

Although he did not record a statement knockout, the win was all that mattered for a fighter of Joshua's stature. Despite being a smaller event, Joshua's rapturous reception from the crowd showed that he remains a hugely popular figure on the British boxing scene.

With new trainer Derrick James in his corner, Joshua kept a measured approach to his boxing throughout the middle rounds, occasionally unleashing his heavy cross or solid left hook, but generally relying on quick jabbing to catch out Franklin.

Although the American grew in confidence, bursting forward to wing hooks at Joshua, the Briton picked up the rounds, but the kind of statement he might have hoped to make, to score a knockout or at least a knockdown, was eluding him.

In the final round, Joshua attacked Franklin with gusto but could not find a breakthrough, and the contest finished with ugly scenes when a brawl nearly erupted on the ring apron.

Yafai was also victorious on the night, becoming the first British man to win an Olympic gold since Joshua's triumph over a decade ago at London 2012.

Although he is still only 4-0 (3), Yafai has built ambitiously as a professional prospect, and every fight he has taken has been set for 10 rounds, showing his potential to work his way towards championship class.

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Source: Sky Sports 

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