21 March 2023 , 13:38
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Eddie Hearn has admitted he is nervous for Anthony Joshua's comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin next weekend.
Joshua will return for the first time since losing his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk when he takes on Franklin at London's O2 arena on April 1. The British star lost his unified titles to the Ukrainian in 2020 and will now face a significant task to overcome his recent form which has also included a loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
The 33-year-old has linked up with new trainer Derrick James and is currently preparing in the US with a huge need to recover from the losses. It could be a make-or-break fight for Joshua given Franklin recently lost to Dillian Whyte, and a loss could be hugely damaging and could see him fall out of leading contention in the rankings.
And 'AJ's promoter Hearn has suggested it is a must-win fight if he is to secure even bigger showdowns later this year. “AJ’s looking good but I’m nervous," he said. “People are saying this is a straightforward fight for Anthony Joshua but it’s not at all. “Let’s look at the facts, he’s coming off two defeats to the pound-for-pound No.1 Oleksandr Usyk but you saw the emotional side to AJ in the last performance and after the fight.
“Franklin is full of confidence coming off the Dillian Whyte fight and he looks all of a sudden about 20lbs lighter as well. “This is a big moment for Anthony Joshua’s career, people are talking about fights against Deontay Wilder, Whyte, Fury but he has to win on April 1. Franklin is a good fighter who is going to come well equipped but AJ has worked himself hard out there in humble, humble surroundings.
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“This is just him, Derrick James and Errol Spence. Just hard work. I think this is the hardest he’s ever worked in camp and I really hope that he can produce the performance that he deserves on April 1 because I believe he’s still in his prime. But he has to beat Jermaine Franklin.”
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Joshua did put in an improved display against Usyk in their second fight only falling to a narrow points split decision, after even threatening to stop the fight inside the distance. However it will be back to the drawing board for the former world champion, who has been criticised for moving away from his power-punching, aggressive style.
A win for 'AJ' could set up a series of bigger fights including a mega-clash with Wilder who is currently ranked as the leading contender with the WBC. He could also potentially challenge bitter rival Tyson Fury if negotiations can be resurrected and he beats Usyk for the undisputed titles.