Boxing

JERMAINE FRANKLIN insisted he has not returned to the UK to make up the numbers as he welcomes Anthony Joshua back to the ring. Franklin left London in November on the back of a disputed majority-decision loss to Dillian Whyte in November.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin ahead of their fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
AJ was ringside that night and got an up close and personal look at the American, who earned himself the chance to fight Joshua.
The British superstar returns after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk and another defeat could be career ending.
But Franklin disagrees.
He said: “A lot of people are painting the picture that if AJ loses this might be the end of his career and if I win this might project my career.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“I don’t buy that if I beat him he has to retire because if I say that it means I’m a bum.
“The world is saying that basically if AJ loses to a guy like me then he’s done but I don’t feel like that’s true.
“AJ can still beat a lot of guys, I just feel confident enough that I can win. I feel like the world is still sleeping on me.”
Joshua, 33, first lost in 2019 in a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, also 33, but won the rematch six months later.
Most read in Boxing
Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
Although he failed to repeat history in his pair of bouts with Usyk, 36, where he was outpointed twice.
And Franklin, 29, believes the trio of losses could still bare a mental affect on Joshua, who is without a win since December 2020.
He said: “I won’t say the hunger won’t be the same for him but I think the loss probably messed with him a little bit.
“As fighters we train to be the toughest people ever so one little slip-up, even though it’s not super damaging, can mentally harm you.
“If I think I’m the best and I lose the fight it can set me back. Some stuff can start depression. There is a lot of stuff mentally that comes behind the fight.
“I wouldn’t say he’s declining but he probably could have gone through something mentally that might have backfired on him. 
“That one loss could have had him doubting himself. That one little seed of doubt could make him lose.
“Once I’m in a fight and something doesn’t go my way now the doubt comes back.
“He could be winning the fight but if something doesn’t come off the doubt comes right back. It’s about staying mentally strong.” 
Anthony Joshua facing off with Jermaine FranklinCredit: /Ian Walton#3/ Matchroom Boxing More

ANTHONY JOSHUA slammed Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk over their failed undisputed title showdown talks – calling it a “shambles”.Negotiations between Fury and Usyk broke down as they couldn’t reach an agreement regarding a fight on April 29 at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony Joshua slammed both Tyson Fury and Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The Ukrainian heavyweight surprisingly agreed to take just 30 per cent of the pot for the first bout, but wanted a 50/50 split in the rematch.
But that was something the Gypsy King reportedly refused to agree to as the teams could not come to a mutual agreement.
Joshua, who is set to lock horns with Jermaine Franklin this Saturday at the O2 Arena, didn’t hold back on his criticism.
AJ insists he is happy to be back in action because he believes the situation at the top of the heavyweight division has become unacceptable.
Read More on Boxing
Joshua said: “I’m so happy I’m fighting again because as I’m looking at the champions, it’s just a shambles.
“When you’re trying to compete mandatories or negotiations… Honestly, I just can’t believe that no fights have been made at championship level.
“But I’m just so happy that I can get back to work and get on with my job.
“I’m looking forward to this assignment and I can’t wait. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Most read in Boxing
Some fans agree with Joshua and took to social media to praise the British star.
They claimed the 33-year-old is “spitting facts” and is the only heavyweight that dares to step inside the ring.
One fan tweeted: “Used to be team Fury. Now I support Joshua. Only real HW [heavyweight] who will fight anyone.
Another posted: “The irony. Meanwhile AJ is fighting some nobody.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Joshua described Fury and Usyk’s failed talks as a ‘shambles’Credit: AFP
Usyk and Fury coudn’t reach an agreement over an undisputed title boutCredit: Getty
A third commented: “AJ only heavyweight who fights everyone.”
This fan said: “AJ spitting facts, just make the fights happen man and that’s exactly what AJ does.”
And that one wrote: “Boxing’s been a shambles for a few years now i’m afraid!!”
But there are also some who disagree with Joshua and claim he is not on the same level as Fury or Usyk.
This comes after the Watford-born fighter lost both his fights against the Ukrainian and also failed to reach an agreement to fight his fellow Brit.
One supporter commented: “His last 2 fights with Usyk were a shambles as well.”
Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
Another said: “No a shambles is saying this almost 6 years ago. And not even fought Fury OR [Deontay] Wilder yet…”
A third wrote: “Using Furys name to promote this dead fight…”
Read More on The Sun
This fan tweeted: “Why worry concentrate on Ur career.”
And that one posted: “Yet he would lose to both of them…” More

FRANK WARREN blamed SOCIAL MEDIA for the collapse of Tyson Fury’s undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk. The pair of unbeaten champions seemingly negotiated the division’s first ever four-belt unification bout in the public.
Tyson Fury alongside promoter Frank WarrenCredit: PA
Usyk even accepted Fury’s “greedy” 70/30 offer to fight on April 29 at Wembley and agreed to take out any rematch clause.
But it happened to be a row over financials for a potential rematch that ultimately saw the historic undisputed bout face the KO.
And Fury’s promoter Warren admits the online back and forth did neither team any favours.
He told talkSPORT: “Do you know what’s killed this? Social media. All the p***ing around on the social media.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“If it had been left to people to do it in a grown up way then there wouldn’t have been a problem.
“That’s what does it, everyone has to say things and justify things, the fighters take a stance.”
Fury, 34, deploys bullish tactics online and went on several foul-mouthed tirades by insulting Usyk.
And asked if that helped during negotiations, Warren said: “I don’t think anybody helps.”
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Usyk, 36, is now mandated to face Daniel Dubois, 25, NEXT after the undisputed decider fell through.
But Hall of Famer Warren is ready to explore a step-aside deal which would allow Fury to at last face the Ukrainian in the summer.
He said: “If Usyk remains undefeated then there is a chance to get that done if it goes on in Saudi.
“The other option is – Daniel Dubois is now the official mandatory – if there was a step aside situation and do the fight in July.”
Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed his three-fight hitlist if he beats Jermaine Franklin – but left a rematch with Dillian Whyte OFF. Joshua returns on Saturday against Franklin, who was beaten by Whyte in a disputed majority decision in November.
Anthony Joshua ahead of his return fight against Jermaine FranklinCredit: Reuters
Anthony Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: Reuters
AJ was in line to fight Whyte right after but promoter Eddie Hearn instead teased a summer stadium blockbuster.
But Joshua appears to have his eyes on other targets as he revealed his dream trio of next fights.
He said: “If you were to ask me what my ambitions are, one is to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
“The second is my motivation to make money and the third is to fight Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Joe Joyce.”
READ MORE IN BOXING
Whyte, 34, beat Joshua, 33, in the amateurs in 2009 but lost the rematch by stoppage six years later in the professional ranks.
And he fumed when Franklin, 29, was the man to welcome AJ back to the ring despite his win over the American.
Hearn has talked up the chances of Joshua fighting Fury, 34, this summer after talks to unify the division with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, collapsed.
But with Wilder, 37, a free agent now it has paved the way for AJ to finally settle the score with the ex-WBC champion.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Joshua told Dan Rafael: “It seems like Deontay Wilder’s more realistic, because I just think that the stuff that goes on with Fury is a bit crazy, man.
“I’ve been in this situation for a long time – even with them two I’ve been in this same situation – but I just feel like Deontay’s coming to a stage in his career where he’s realistic.
“It’s not like, ‘I just want this fight’, I think he needs it. So that’s more realistic if I’m honest with you, especially with the place that we’re both at in our careers.”
Meanwhile, Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren has urged Joshua to get in touch over a British blockbuster.
Warren said to talkSPORT: “Well he hasn’t got to go far if he wants to fight him, just pick the phone up.
“Provided my man comes through and he comes through, we could do that in the summer. Not a problem.”
Joe Joyce with his promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Rex More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has warned Jermaine Franklin “there will be blood” in Saturday’s showdown.The Watford Warrior will bid to get back in the win column against the hard-hitting American at the O2 Arena following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Anthony Joshua faces Jermaine Franklin at the O2 on Saturday nightCredit: PA
The fight will be AJ’s first since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
Joshua is out to spill blood this weekendCredit: ALAMY
A third defeat on the trot will be curtains for Joshua’s world title hopes, which he hopes to re-ignite by spilling the blood of Franklin.
The 33-year-old said: “I think we will see blood and I just really look forward to getting in there again.
“I’m so happy I’m fighting again because when you look at the champions now, it is just a shambles when you are trying to compete with mandatories and negotiations.
“Honestly I can’t believe no fights have been made at championship level.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“I am so happy I can get back to work, get on with my job and I am looking forward to this assignment.
“I can’t wait honestly. I am really looking forward to it.”
Franklin – who was robbed of a points victory over Dillian Whyte last November – and his team reckon they’re getting their hands on AJ at the right time.
Joshua, however, insists that couldn’t be any further from the truth, saying: “It is the worst time.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
“The more he talks, the bigger grave he digs for himself but it is what it is.
“I could say a lot of things about him but I respect my opponent.
“It is not for me to talk, it is for you to do all the talking and for me to do my job on Saturday.
“That is really honestly what I am focused on from round one to round 12.
“I am prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability, my counter-punching and all that type of stuff to definitely put a dent in Jermaine.
“But I am not here to talk, I am here to do what I have to do because I really want to win.”
Joshua is all too aware he needs to get back in the win column in emphatic fashion if he’s to convince fans he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the division.

Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
The Olympic gold medallist said: “As he said, it is by any means necessary.
“We are just here to do a job. I respect my opponent and may the best man win.
“One thing he said is he started eating right for this camp, he’s dealing with someone who has been living right from the get-go.
Read More on The Sun
“I have been putting in work from the day I started this business.
“It’s going to be a good fight because he’s up against a real one, for sure.” More

JERMAINE FRANKLIN’S transformed physique left Eddie Hearn shocked ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena. In Franklin’s last fight, a controversial split decision loss to Dillian Whyte, the American weighed in at 257lbs.
Jermaine Franklin has lost 24lbs since his last fight in November against Dillian WhyteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Eddie Hearn was shocked at Franklin’s transformationCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Now. ahead of Franklin’s fight with Joshua on Saturday night, the American heavyweight has lost 24lbs and is “ripped to shreds.”
Hearn couldn’t believe it when he saw Franklin’s physique.
Speaking to Boxing Social he said: ” I went downstairs and saw Jermaine Franklin having his photos taken and all of a sudden he’s got an eight pack.
“When he boxed Dillian Whyte he had a belly on him, but I’ve just seen him with his kit off, he’s absolutely ripped to shreds.
READ MORE BOXING
“I don’t know what’s happened, he says he’s lost 24 lbs.
“I don’t know whether it’s going to help him or hinder him, hopefully the latter because we need AJ to knock him out in style on Saturday night.”
The American took to Twitter to respond to the clip.
He tweeted: ” Maybe a four pack lol. I have put in the work. It’s going to be a great fight.”
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
As well as appearing physically ready, Franklin seems to have a real focus ahead of his huge fight against Joshua.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Gareth Davies, he said: “I see that he struggles a little bit with smaller guys.
“He likes to trade at points in the fight, so we’ve been looking at that and looking at different ways we can attack and adjustments we can make to make it more comfortable.”
When pushed for a prediction Franklin said: “If it’s not a knockout then it will be a domination brutally.
“I’ll go at him, see what he’s going to do and see if I can make him make mistakes early.”
For Joshua this is a must win fight having lost his last two fights to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.
Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout More

TYSON FURY could see his fight with Oleksandr Usyk rescheduled for July – but it would come at the cost of paying Daniel Dubois. The pair of unbeaten champions failed to agree terms for the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.
Tyson Fury could see his undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk rescheduled for JulyCredit: Getty
Oleksandr Usyk is mandated to fight Daniel Dubois nextCredit: Getty
A deal collapsed at the 11th hour over financials for a potential rematch, with Usyk’s team walking away.
The Ukrainian is now mandated to face Dubois NEXT after the undisputed decider fell through.
But promoter Frank Warren is ready to explore a step-aside deal which would allow Fury to at last face Usyk in the summer.
He said on talkSPORT: “If Usyk remains undefeated then there is a chance to get that done if it goes on in Saudi.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“The other option is – Daniel Dubois is now the official mandatory – if there was a step aside situation and do the fight in July.”
The WBA had called for Usyk, 36, to fight Dubois if a deal with Fury, 34, was not agreed by April 1.
But the pound-for-pound stars saw negotiations get the KO before the deadline was even up.
Fury could now face Joe Joyce, 37, in the summer if the British contender beats China’s Zhilei Zhang, 39, on April 15.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Meanwhile, Warren has to re-enter talks with Usyk’s team but this time for a fight against Dubois.
The 25-year-old suffered a horror knee injury in his last win in December against Kevin Lerena, 30.
But Warren has medical documentation to prove Dubois is fit to fight and has already began steps to agree the unified title bout.

He said: “Got that, it’s been sent.
“Negotiations were ordered, if you recall they said if we don’t get it done by April 1 then Daniel is mandatory. We’re on it, we’re negotiating it.”
Daniel Dubois with promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Getty More