English professional boxer and two-time former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (AJ) is set to go vs Jermaine Franklin on the date of April 1 following his last defeat against Oleksandr Usyk
Back in August 2022, AJ lost for the second time against Oleksandr Usyk, during their Saudi Arabia rematch.
Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin 2023 boxing fight date and venue
Jermaine Franklin emerges as a potential frontrunner for British Ex Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua rumored to be training with Errol Spence Jr trainer Derrick James. THOUGHTS? #boxingego pic.twitter.com/4fh6JhTjlk
— BOXINGEGO (@Boxingego) January 15, 2023
Anthony Joshua reportedly could face Jermaine Franklin in his next fight on April 1st as the American has now emerged as one of the frontrunners, though there is no deal done yet. It's claimed that Demsey McKean is not expected to be picked. [According to @DailyStar_Sport]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 13, 2023
Following the defeat, there were talks of a shock WBC title fight against Tyson Fury however it died down. Joshua took a break from the ring ever since then.
Anthony Joshua set to face Jermaine Franklin
Now finally Anthony Joshua will get a chance for a comeback after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the fight against Jermaine Franklin. The Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin fight is set for April 1 at the O2 Arena.
AJ was there watching from the ringside to see Jermaine Franklin lose to Dillian Whyte, 34, in November. Interestingly, Joshua is also set for summer stadium rematch with Whyte, whom he beat back in 2015.
However, Joshua will first face against Jermaine on April 1, at the O2 for the first time in seven years. Whyte himself is set for a separate bout at the moment.
While taking opponents into consideration, southpaws Otto Wallin, 32, and Demsey McKean, 32, were also on the list. However, Jermaine Franklin, who has a similar frame to Whyte, is set to get the opportunity against Anthony Joshua.
New trainer
AJ has returned Stateside and he is currently on the lookout for a new trainer while on his training camp. The 33-year-old split with former trainer Robert Garcia following his defeat to Usyk, 35 in August.
Currently, Derrick James, who is also the coach of Errol Spence Jr, and Jermell Charlo, stands as the preferred choice. James is a well-qualified and accomplished trainer who was also nominated for trainer of the year. He has led Charlo to an undisputed gold in the light-middleweight category and also led Spence to three unified welterweight titles.
For now, Joshua will be spending his entire training camp in Dallas, before making a return to London for his fight.
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