ANTHONY JOSHUA has drawn inspiration from Rocky Balboa ahead of his fight against Jermaine Franklin.
AJ is due to face Franklin at London’s O2 Arena on April 1.
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Ahead of the fight, Joshua is undertaking an intense training camp in Dallas, Texas.
New trainer Derrick James has been putting the 33-year-old through the wringer in a bid to get him back in title contention.
As well as utilising a plush gym at the camp, Joshua has been put back to basics.
He was previously spotted exercising in a parking lot before the Brit’s latest post showed him swinging an axe at a tree.
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AJ suitably captioned the post: “Back to basics 🪓.”
In iconic boxing film Rocky IV, Rocky Balboa is seen chopping down a tree in Russia as he prepares to take on Cold War rival Ivan Drago.
Rocky is then seen wading through deep snow with a log on his back.
Fans were quick to draw comparisons between Joshua and Rocky.
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One fan commented: “Bro is literally Rocky/Adonis underdog right now.”
A second said: “Rocky Balboa style 😍👏👏.
While a third suggested a career switch, adding: “You’d be good in a Creed film.”
Joshua’s boxing career is effectively on the line against Franklin.
He lost his heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk and failed to win them back in Augist’s rematch.
However, AJ is excited to get back in the ring and put on a show.
He said: “I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.
“Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
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“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Franklin similarly lost his most recent bout in a narrow defeat to Dillian Whyte at the end of 2022.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
