Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA got back to winning ways on Saturday night with a laboured victory over Jermaine Franklin.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion stopped the rot with a points victory over the dogged and determined American.
Anthony Joshua returned to action against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday nightCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
AJ registered a laboured points victory over the American at the O2 ArenaCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
Victory over Franklin was Joshua’s first in nearly three yearsCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
Joshua’s first win in nearly three years – which was far from pleasing on the eye – has put him back on course for a third world title run.
SunSport was in attendance at the packed O2 Arena and got sight of several things the DAZN cameras didn’t broadcast.
Here are five things the cameras didn’t show you.
Tony Bellew’s bust-up
Former WBC cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew was involved a post-fight altercation with a member of Jermaine Franklin’s team moments after the final bell.
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Bellew nearly came to blows with trainer Lorenzo Reynolds but was held back by security and fellow boxing pundit Steve Bunce.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and no post-fight punches were thrown.
The Bomber has since revealed he nearly traded blows with Reynolds after the coach aggressively approached Joshua following the Brit’s post-bout altercation with Franklin.
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The Bomber nearly found himself embroiled in a scuffle with a member of Team FranklinCredit: CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUN
The former WBC cruiserweight champ cut a frustrated figure after the incidentCredit: CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUN
Louis Theroux
For the best part of the last decade, every Joshua fight has been an event of national interest – with the nation’s media following the big man wherever he competes.
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The BBC are no different, although they had arguably their most recognisable interviewer on the scene for the return of AJ.
British television icon Louis Theroux was in attendance to see the eagerly-anticipated return of AJ – and he had a camera crew in tow.
No doubt there’s an incoming documentary of Theroux behind the scenes with the former two-time unified heavyweight champion.
The BBC’s Louis Theroux was present at The O2 along with his camera crewCredit: SUN SPORT
Love Island stars
The likes of AJ and Tyson Fury have well and truly helped repopularise the sport of boxing in the UK.
As such, celebs – both A and Z list, are always pining for a seat at the biggest ticket in town.
SunSport spotted two Love Islanders in attendance – one of whom was reality TV star turned boxer AJ Bunker.
The other, was Michael Griffiths, who was sat behind press row taking in the fight in an expensive-looking outfit.
Love Island star AJ Bunker was one of several celebs in attendance at The O2Credit: INSTAGRAM@ANDREAJANEBUNKER
Empty seats
Joshua’s long-awaited return to The O2 was billed as a sell-out affair by the arena and Matchroom Boxing..
But before the co-main event between Fabio Wardley and Michael Coffie got underway, there were several empty seats.
And there were even a few empty spaces as AJ made his walk to the ring.
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Axed Channel 4 star
TV hardman Ant Middleton is no stranger to attending boxing and UFC fights.
And the former SAS: Who Dares Wins was front and centre for Joshua’s comeback bout, sitting ringside for the return of the golden boy of British boxing.
Ant Middleton was also in attendance at the O2Credit: Getty More

CARL FROCH has questioned Anthony Joshua’s motivation to continue boxing and cast doubt on whether he can reach the top again.AJ returned the ring with a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin last night at The 02 Arena.
Anthony Joshua returned to the ring with a points victory over Jermaine FranklinCredit: Reuters
Carl Froch cast doubt over AJ’s motivations and whether he can return to the topCredit: AFP
After the bout, which included an X-rated tirade at the end of the first round before a post-match brawl almost erupted, he set his sights on a showdown with Tyson Fury.
However, after what many consider to be a below-par performance, Froch appeared to criticise Joshua.
And he asked whether money was enough to keep him motivated while saying that he had seen nothing in Joshua’s performance to suggest that he can return to the top of the heavyweight division.
Froch told BBC Radio 5Live: “In the ring at world title level he’s been there, done the business. And now I don’t know. What motivates him?
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“We talked about it, he wants the money. I don’t understand why he’s fighting. I just don’t.
“It’s a dangerous sport. Money can’t be the motivation when you’ve earned over £100m.
“I’ve not seen anything in that performance that he wants to be a world champion again.”
Dillian Whyte, who is also eyeing up a rematch with AJ, also says that his rival should quit if his heart is no longer in it.
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The 34-year-old, who lost via technical knockout in December 2015 when he faced his fellow Brit the first time, said: “Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts.
“The ability is still there, the boxing is still there – he looks the part.
“But every time Franklin shaped up like he was going to hit him, he hesitated. I’ve never seen him like that, he’s a bit shell-shocked.
“The last few rounds Joshua was very hesitant.
“Signs of fighter who doesn’t want to do it anymore. If he doesn’t want to do it anymore, I think he should stop.” More

TONY BELLEW has revealed what sparked his near brawl with a member of Jermaine Franklin’s team.The former WBC cruiserweight champion nearly came to blows with trainer Lorenzo Reynolds moments after the 989 Assassin’s defeat to Anthony Joshua.
Tony Bellew was part of the DAZN broadcast team for Anthony Joshua’s clash with Jermaine FranklinCredit: REX
The Bomber nearly found himself embroiled in a scuffle with a member of Team FranklinCredit: CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUN
The former WBC cruiserweight champ cut a frustrated figure after the incidentCredit: CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUN
The pair had to be pulled back after a heated exchange, which followed a near melee between Joshua and Franklin.
And Bellew has revealed he gave a piece of his mind to Reynolds after the American made an aggressive post-fight “approach” to AJ.
He told iFL TV: “You can’t have a trainer going for a boxer.
‘So I said, ‘Hey lad what are you playing at?’ And he’s said something and I’ve said, ‘F*** it, let’s do it then.
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” I’ll f***ing meet you with a right hand.’ His mate apologised to me and I said ‘you can’t’.
‘I didn’t want the trouble with him but I just said, ‘What are you doing?’ And he went, ‘What are you going to do?’
‘I said, ‘What the f*** are you going to do’. So I’ve stepped down like ‘Let’s go.’.
“I stepped aside so I thought he was going to step to me and a right hand was going to meet him.
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“But he didn’t get close enough so what do you want me to do?
“I was just trying to tell the man that you can’t approach a fighter, so you can’t do that.
“It’s down to the fighters and if Jermaine and [Anthony] are having a little tussle.”
Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn said of the incident: “I asked him [Bellew] I think he just said that [Franklin’s] trainer went for AJ or something.
“And he shouted something, and then he shouted something at Bellew.
Anthony Joshua’s victory over Franklin saw him get back into the win columnCredit: GETTY
“He’s probably the wrong person to shout something at.”
Victory over Franklin saw Joshua pick up his first win in nearly three years and move a small step back towards world title contention.

In his post-fight interview, AJ said: “Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic so I’m calm.
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“I appreciate every single person coming out this evening.
“Inside this squared circle, it’s a different type of energy in here so I apologise to anybody watching and seeing that type of stuff because we’re sportsmen.” More

JERMAINE FRANKLIN has broken his silence following his hard-fought loss to Anthony Joshua.The American suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the former two-time unified heavyweight champion at The O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Jermaine Franklin locked horns with Anthony Joshua at The O2 on Saturday nightCredit: Alamy
The American suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the former unified champCredit: Alamy
Franklin has vowed to bounce back from his second career lossCredit: REUTERS
Franklin turned in a dogged display and had some success with his counters and in the clinch, although the judges didn’t favour his roughhouse tactics.
But the 989 Assassin was far from happy with his performance against the poster boy of British boxing.
He tweeted: “To fans/sponsor. I didn’t fight the fight I planned on fighting.
“One dream for @james_taylor_archy_ was made last night and my dream of being champ is on hold briefly.”
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Franklin, 29, insists he’ll use the lessons learned from his second professional defeat to spearhead himself to a world title.
He continued: “I learned so much last night. I will be back.
“Thank you UK fans. @989_assassin.”
Franklin’s tweet included a video of his ring walk with boxing mad youngester James Taylor Archy – who is battling cancer.
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The American showed his class by giving young James a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being behind the scenes during fight week.
And James’ parents sent Franklin a heartfelt thank you message on Instagram.
The message read: “We would like to thank you for doing everything in your power to make James’ night a truly special and unforgettable one making some beautiful memories.
“You didn’t have to do anything at all. You are one amazing and unbelievable person with a heart of gold.
“Although you did not win, you will always be a winner and a champion to us.
Victory over Franklin saw Anthony Joshua return to the win columnCredit: Reuters
“You’re a true inspiration and hero. We wish you all the best in the future and hope you have a blessed journey.”
Victory over Franklin saw Joshua snap a two-fight skid, which was inflicted on him by pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
In his post-fight interview, he said: “Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic so I’m calm.
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“I appreciate every single person coming out this evening.
“Inside this squared circle, it’s a different type of energy in here so I apologise to anybody watching and seeing that type of stuff because we’re sportsmen.” More

DILLIAN WHYTE launched a scathing attack on Anthony Joshua before the 33-year-old’s heavyweight bout against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday.Joshua earned a unanimous points victory over Franklin after the fight went the distance.
Joshua earned a unanimous points victory over Franklin on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
Whyte has criticised AJ for fighting his ‘leftovers’Credit: Getty
But before the main event at London’s O2 Arena had even begun, Whyte – who was in attendance with DAZN – landed a verbal blow on his rival by suggesting that he insisted on fighting “leftovers”.
When speaking to iFL TV ahead of the fight, Whyte said: “These c**** don’t want to fight me. Wilder, Joshua… Joshua’s a c***.
“He wants to fight my leftovers and then talks s**t.
“The hardest person to beat is the undefeated heavyweight. He’s been beaten already, his mind is broke.”
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Whyte fought Joshua for the British heavyweight title in December 2015 and suffered a defeat by technical knockout in the seventh round.
The rivals have not faced each other since, but ‘the Villain’ has refused to shy away from another potential challenge.
When asked if he would consider fighting AJ again, Whyte explained: “I want to fight. I’m not going to wait for Joshua. Joshua’s unpredictable – imagine Franklin knocks him out today?
“It’s a s**t fight but who knows?”
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He then continued his X-rated rant, adding: “They were looking for a victim for Joshua to look good against. He (Joshua) should’ve fought me. That’s a fight that people would want to see, not Franklin.
“Why does he need a warm-up to fight me?
“There’s a lot of cowards in this game. I’m here to fight, I want to fight. I don’t give a f**k about losses, wins, draws – I just want to fight and give the fans entertainment and good fights.
“These guys are killing boxing, they keep dodging.”
Despite his win over Franklin, Joshua admitted that he was underwhelmed with the outcome.
He told talkSPORT: “Yeah, I’m a bit disappointed.
“I’m disappointed because it wasn’t a knockout. Fans are bored of 12 rounders.”
And Whyte continued to rub salt into the wound by suggesting that AJ should quit boxing altogether.
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He told the BBC: “Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts.
“If he doesn’t want to do it any more, I think he should stop.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA cannot wait for his next big fight after beating Jermaine Franklin on points.The Brit admitted he was not at his best against the American but he was rarely troubled as he secured victory via unanimous decision.
Anthony Joshua is eyeing his next big fight after beating Jermaine FranklinCredit: Getty
Now AJ is eyeing his next big fight after calling out Tyson Fury in the ring after his win.
The pair have constantly been tipped to face off but after previous talks broke down Joshua may have to look elsewhere.
The former world champion wants his next bout to be in the summer, and there are several potential opponents to choose from.
Here SunSport takes a look at the five fighters Joshua could face as he looks to recover his former glory.
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Tyson Fury
Fury poses the most difficult test out of Joshua’s next potential opponentsCredit: AFP
For a while last year it appeared that Fury v Joshua – billed as the biggest British clash of all time – was on. But things fell apart rapidly.
The situation could look different in 2023 however, especially after the Gypsy King’s negotiations with Oleksandr Usyk fell apart in equally explosive fashion.
For Joshua the fight would be a chance to regain his seat at the top of the heavyweight table and take the WBC belt.
While Fury has an opportunity to bring down the only current domestic boxer who can rival him in fame and prestige.
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If it were to finally happen, the pre-fight hype will draw in viewers beyond traditional fight fans and make global sporting headlines.
Joshua is keen to agree a deal and give the fans what they want, while also getting a shot at the WBC title.
He said after beating Franklin: “I try and provide for the fans, I know who the fans want – who do the fans want? They said Fury, yeah? The ball is in his court.
“I would be 100 per cent honoured to compete for the WBC Championship of the world.
“I stand here and say that proudly, that would be an honour.
“Wherever you are, if you are listening, you know my management, you know my promoter, we’ve had dialogue before so let’s continue this and hopefully we can get this done sooner rather than later. We aren’t getting any younger.
“I can’t wait to get back to Texas, develop and push on because there’s a bigger fight, you know how one fight leads onto another, I can’t wait to get the next big fight.”
Dillian Whyte
Dillian Whyte will be out for revenge if he and Joshua crossed paths in the ring againCredit: PA
If the fight with Fury cannot be made, another all-British clash with Dillian Whyte could still present a good opportunity for AJ.
The pair share an intriguing history with the Body Snatcher beating Joshua on points in an amateur bout back in 2009.
But the former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion would have his revenge with a vicious uppercut knockout when they met professionally in 2015.
This one could be on the cards for the summer as Whyte looks to build on last November’s controversial win over Jermaine Franklin.
And while Joshua will go into the fight as favourite, victory is far from certain in what should be another entertaining heavyweight clash.
However Whyte claimed it might be best for Joshua to call it quits after watching him in action last night.
He told BBC 5 Live: “Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts.
“If he doesn’t want to do it any more, I think he should stop.”
Joe Joyce
If he can beat Zhang on April 15, Joyce could be gearing up for a huge heavyweight clash against one of the division’s biggest namesCredit: Getty
Joe Joyce’s stock has never been higher in the heavyweight division.
September’s epic brawl with Joseph Parker saw the formidable New Zealander lose by knockout for the first time in his career.
Suddenly Joyce’s reputation rose to such an extent that he was even called out by Tyson Fury during one of his rambling social media videos.
Now 37 and with a 15-0 professional record, Joyce’s team will likely not think twice about accepting a bout with a name as big as AJ. While Joshua may deem the Juggernaut a more realistic and exciting opponent than either Fury or Whyte.
First things first, Joyce has to get past Zhilei Zhang later this month.
Filip Hrgovic
Filip Hrgovic has a 15-0 record but Joshua would be by far his most high-profile opponentCredit: Getty
Filip Hrgovic might not be the first boxer who comes to mind when fight fans dream up Joshua’s next opponent.
But he may be the most realistic, with the Croatian putting himself in a good position in the IBF rankings after last year’s win over Zhang.
Hrgovic was at one point set to have mandatory fights against Usyk and against Andy Ruiz Jr but both have been seemingly put on the back-burner.
But now it could be a mandatory fight against Joshua up next for the unbeaten boxer, depending on rankings and decision-making from the IBF.
Hrgovic would be seeking to defend his interim IBF title and could pose a serious threat to the Brit.
Deontay Wilder
Wilder beat Robert Helenius in the first round last year as he bounced back from back-to-back Fury defeatsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Few would complain about a mouthwatering clash between AJ and Wilder.
The parallels between the pair are obvious with Joshua and the Bronze Bomber once the kings of the heavyweight division.
But Wilder was beaten twice over the course of three extraordinary fights with Fury, while Joshua could not overcome streetwise Usyk despite his best efforts across two bouts.
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Both have shown interest in making the fight happen and it would almost certainly attract huge audiences across sides of the pond.
And with both heavyweights entertaining heavy-hitters it is likely their clash would be among the best fights of the year. More

EBANIE BRIDGES and Maya Jama posed with the glamorous Anthony Joshua ring girls at the O2 Arena.And a host of Premier League aces were in attendance for the heavyweight showdown last night.
Ring girl Chloe Ellman-Baker got a photo with Ebanie BridgesCredit: Supplied
Maya Jama also posed for a pic at the O2Credit: Supplied
Maya stunned in her incredible denim outfitCredit: https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1642272369640194049
Bukayo Saka looked relaxed in his black jacket and capCredit: DAZN
Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin via a unanimous points decisionCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Joshua slugged through 12 rounds to eventually get the better of American Jermaine Franklin.
The British star, 33, secured a 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 unanimous points victory.
And he was cheered on by a host of famous faces on the bank of the River Thames.
OnlyFans star turn boxer Bridges took her place in the 19,000-strong crowd while TV presenter and radio DJ Jama also headed along.
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The pair both got photos with ring girl Chloe Ellman-Baker, who followed in the footsteps of her mum.
Chloe was joined by her fellow ring girls Tehia Kristian, Alissa King-Underwood and Megan Christie for their big night.
Bukayo Saka headed up a star-studded list of footballers who watched AJ do enough to win.
The Arsenal winger was left out of the starting line-up for the 4-1 win over Leeds, thought to be due to illness.
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However, he came on for the last half an hour at the Emirates and then made the short trip across the capital for fight night.
Wilfried Zaha limped off in tears for Crystal Palace just before half-time against Leicester.
But despite fears that could have been his final Eagles appearance, he also headed along – as did Alex Iwobi whose Everton side face Tottenham on Monday night.
And pop star Liam Payne was all smiles with Eddie Hearn ringside ahead of the main event.
In the ring, AJ did not look back at his convincing best after two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
He threw 50 fewer punches than Franklin – but crucially landed double the number of his ex-roofer rival.
Arguably the most exciting part of the fight came AFTER the final bell.
The two men had to be separated by security as they refused to let go of each other after X-rated verbals at the end of the first.
Liam Payne posed alongside Eddie Hearn before the main eventCredit: https://twitter.com/MatchroomBoxing/status/1642260683789066240/photo/1
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha made the trip across the capital from Selhurst ParkCredit: https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1642270694670049282/photo/1
Alex Iwobi was in the crowd in LondonCredit: https://twitter.com/MatchroomBoxing/status/1642270107781980163
Joshua apologised for his lacklustre display in an impassioned post-fight interview, saying: “That got a bit chaotic but I am calm now.
“I apologise to anyone who saw that. I respect Jermaine and all the fans.
“Jermaine had a good duck and dive style, he knew how to tuck up, he did well.
“I should have knocked him out but now it is done and we are on to the next.
“When people come to fight me they bring a different type of energy, he was not here to roll over.”
The Watford star then called out Tyson Fury for a summer showdown.
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He said: “You know me, I like to provide for the fans. I know who the fans want. Who do the fans want?
“They said Fury? The ball is in his court, I will 100 per cent be honoured to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.”
Tehia Kristian, Alissa King-Underwood, Chloe and Megan Christie were all smilesCredit: Supplied
The quartet helped put on a show for the fansCredit: Mark Robinson Photography/ Matchroom boxing
The ring girls had an amazing nightCredit: Supplied
The Matchroom team enjoyed promoting the AJ fightCredit: Supplied
Chloe’s mum was also a ring girlCredit: Supplied More

ANTHONY JOSHUA apologised for this part in his post-fight brawl with Jermaine Franklin. AJ and Franklin were involved in a heated bust-up immediately following their heavyweight clash.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin were involved in a heated bust-up after their fightCredit: Rex
Tempers flared in both corners as security separated themCredit: Rex
Franklin had taken issue after Joshua reached his arm out to pat him on the head.
The pair then got into a hugging match with tempers beginning to escalate before they were pulled apart by security.
Joshua later apologised for his role in the ugly scenes, also referencing his tantrum following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
He said: “Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic. I’m calm, I appreciate everyone coming out this evening,
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“Inside the ring, it is a different energy so I apologise to those watching.
“I respect Jermaine, Eddie [Hearn], thank you for this opportunity. Fans, thank you as well.
“It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck-and-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out, respect to him, he did well.
“I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next.
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“He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”
AJ won the fight thanks to a unanimous points victory.
In terms of his next fight, Joshua has called out champion Tyson Fury for a hotly-anticipated Battle of Britain.
The 33-year-old had asked the 19,000-strong O2 Arena crowd who they wanted to see him face next, with the crowd chanting “Fury” as one.
To this, he responded: “You know me, I like to provide for the fans. I know who the fans want. Who do the fans want?
“They said Fury? The ball is in his court, I will 100 per cent be honoured to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.
“I stand here and say that proudly, it would be an honour, so wherever you are if you’re listening. You know my management, you know my promoter.
“We’ve had dialect before, so let’s continue this and hopefully we can get this on sooner rather than later. We ain’t getting any younger.” More