In a unanimous decision victory over American Jermaine Franklin on Saturday at London’s 02 Arena, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways after suffering two straight losses.
The 33-year-old Nigerian-British fighter was making his ring comeback after losing four straight fights to Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. The non-title bout took place in front of 20,000 spectators.
His losing streak of more than two years ended with this victory, which improved his 25–3 record in professional competition.
While Joshua, who weighed in at a career-heavy 18 stone 3 pounds (115.7kg), did what he had to do without starting any fires, the three judges scored the fight 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111.
Supporters expecting a powerful, if ultimately ineffective, knockout performance to reinstate Joshua’s status as a contender were forced to settle for the local favourite’s commanding performance.
“Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic. I’m calm; I appreciate everyone coming out this evening,” Joshua told the crowd after the decision, referencing the second Usyk clash where he had a post-fight meltdown.
“I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”
Joshua challenged Tyson Fury, the current WBC heavyweight champion, to reconsider a matchup.
“I would be honoured to fight for the WBC Heavyweight championship of the world. If he’s listening, he knows my promoter; we’ve had dialogue before, so let’s continue this. We ain’t getting any younger,” he said.
In contrast to Franklin, 29, who built in confidence and occasionally poked his tongue out at Joshua, who was significantly larger and taller than him, Joshua’s early blows lacked any genuine menace or drive.
Blood dripping from his nose early on, Joshua was the obvious victor, but it wasn’t until later rounds that he lived up to the redemption hype.
Without a decisive knockout, many questions remained, and the bout ended in a scuffle.
“Tonight was a step down from Oleksandr Usyk, but there was huge pressure,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “He ended the fight well…”
