Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin introduced for April 1

Anthony Joshua will make his long-awaited ring return in opposition to American challenger Jermaine Franklin on the O2 Enviornment on April 1, dwell on DAZN.

Joshua seems to be to bounce again from successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, while Franklin was deemed unlucky by some to be on the dropping finish of a decision defeat to Dillian Whyte in November.

A rematch with Whyte may await ‘AJ’ with victory, with the 33-year-old returning to the O2 Enviornment for the primary time since 2016 the place he stopped Dominic Breazeale.

The previous two-time heavyweight world champion can even be compete in a non-world title bout for for the primary time in nearly seven years having fought in 11 consecutive world title fights since profitable the vacant IBF crown in opposition to Charles Martin.

The Watford man has relocated his coaching camp to Texas after switching to world-renowned coach Derrick James, who coaches the likes of unified welterweight world champion, Errol Spence Jr and undisputed tremendous welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo amongst others.

“I’m wanting ahead to stepping again into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” he mentioned.

“Mentally and bodily I really feel prepared. I wish to placed on a present and impress my coach as he has excessive requirements.

“Franklin has a very good fashion and an incredible angle, which he has proven in latest fights.”

Joshua parted methods with Robert Garcia who oversaw his rematch defeat to Usyk alongside Angel Fernandez, who seems to have additionally been moved on.

This can even mark Joshua’s first struggle on DAZN within the UK after leaving career-long broadcaster Sky Sports activities to signal with the streaming platform prior his final struggle with Usyk.

Regardless of this, backers in Saudi Arabia who had possession of the present awarded Sky Sports activities the printed rights within the UK and Eire.

AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has outlined a three-fight plan for the Brirtish star for this yr, teasing a serious showdown with both Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury ought to he overcome Franklin and Whyte, who he’s anticipated to rematch in the summertime, so long as he beats the 29-year-old seven weeks on Saturday.

“Prepare for the return of Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show. 

“We dwell in a mad world. This man has gone on a run the place he’s overwhelmed Charles Martin, Molina, Breazeale, Klitschko, Parker, Povetkin, Takam, Ruiz, Pulev, and fought Usyk twice. With no break. No simple nights.

“He comes off the again of 1 good struggle with Usyk and one the place he was dominated. He’s fought the pound-for-pound primary twice. 

“The disrespect on this man’s identify is unbelievable.

“Individuals who wish to downplay his achievements, individuals who wish to say he’s completed within the sport – get f***ing prepared for the return of Anthony Joshua on April the first. 

“Trigger this man proper now could be in Texas, working and grinding every single day.

“This man’s obtained cash within the financial institution, he’s obtained world championship belts on the wall, he don’t look after both of them – he cares for the game of boxing. He cares for regaining his world heavyweight titles, and I’m telling you he’s coming again with vengeance.

“He’s about to make an assault on the world heavyweight title once more … write him off at your peril.”

Franklin suffered a primary skilled defeat to Whyte, however has vowed to cease Joshua to keep away from the necessity for judges on the evening.

“I’m prepared to point out the world why it’s time for me to take my place on the high of the Heavyweight division,” he mentioned.

“Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This struggle isn’t going to the choose’s card.

“I’ll have win quantity 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Idiot’s joke.”

Joshua and Franklin are anticipated to return face-to-face for the primary time at a press convention in London this week.