ANTHONY JOSHUA is BACK as he prepares to face American Jermaine Franklin in a huge comeback fight.
AJ hasn’t been in the ring since he lost his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk back in August.
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The former heavyweight champ is looking to get back into title contention, however, and is starting things off with a tasty clash against Franklin.
The Michigan-born fighter lost a narrow decision to Dillian Whyte at the tail-end of 2022, but most thought he did enough to win the fight.
Should Joshua beat Franklin, a rematch with Whyte, who he knocked out in 2015, would be well on the cards.
Joshua’s career is effectively on the line, however, so he can’t take Franklin lightly.
Franklin, 29, will be looking to catapult himself into the heavyweight title picture himself, and a win over Joshua would give him some newfound fame in the US.
Robert Garcia is no longer Joshua’s trainer, with the Brit set to partner up with Derrick James out in Texas.
Joshua will be hoping some fresh eyes in his corner can reignite his career, with future super-fights against Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder still on his mind.
First things first – win emphatically against Franklin and those huge match-ups will be back on.
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When is Joshua vs Franklin?
- Joshua’s big clash against Franklin will take place on Saturday, April 1.
- The event will be held at London’s O2 Arena.
- The fight will get underway at approximately 10.30pm UK time.
- The main card will begin at 6pm or 7pm GMT.
? Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
What channel is Joshua vs Franklin and can it be live streamed?
- Joshua vs Franklin will be shown live on DAZN in the UK as part of your subscription.
- You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.
- A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.
- You can also pay £99.99 for the year up front, and this is the lowest cost option.
- The fight is available for live streaming on your mobile or tablet device from the DAZN app.
Joshua vs Franklin full card
- Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin
- Craig Richards vs Ricards Bolotniks
- Felix Cash vs Matteo Signani
What has been said?
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua.
“Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” Franklin said.
“Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
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Who is Joshua’s new trainer Derrick James?
Joshua had Team GB coach Rob McCracken in his corner for most of his career, but that all changed before the Usyk rematch.
AJ brought in esteemed trainer of multiple world champions Robert Garcia.
And though Garcia did implement a more offensive game plan against Usyk, the fight slipped away from Joshua, who has now decided to make another change.
Joshua is set to link up with James, who trains both undisputed super-welterweight champion Jermell Charlo, and unified welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr.
Both men are offensive-minded, with Spence Jr especially well-versed when it comes to educated pressure-fighting.
James won the Ring Magazine trainer of the year award in 2017, but he also had his own fighting career once upon a time.
The Texan finished his career with a pro record of 27-7-1, but missed out on the chance to compete at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
James is currently the only trainer in boxing to coach two fighters who hold multiple world titles.
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