
via Reuters
Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

via Reuters
Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Anthony Joshua is returning to the ring, but not with a bang. Since 2019, British boxing’s blue-eyed boy has been on the backpedal. But, first, the defeat of the American Andy Ruiz Jr. and two back-to-back losses handed over by the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk raised doubt over the thirty-three-year-old former champion’s skills. Hence the situation warranted an imminent return.
Last year, post the split decision loss to Usyk, an all-British clash with reigning champion Tyson Fury raised excitement but to no avail as the prospect collapsed at the altar of negotiations. Then there were talks about a fight against another American and former Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. But putting all gabfest to rest, in February this year, the announcement came about a face-off against American Heavyweight boxer Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at Wembley Stadium.
So with only a few days before their fight, the two Heavyweights squared off against each other in front of the camera. For Anthony Joshua, the comeback fight is critical to laying a credible claim to a title. He reportedly took the training regimen seriously and appeared all muscled up and beefy. But it was the Saginaw, Michigan native who seems to have shocked everyone with a downscaled appearance compared to the Briton.
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Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin first fight week face-off ahead of Saturday night…
[🎥 @MatchroomBoxing]pic.twitter.com/Jei7FeJ0SD— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) March 27, 2023
Many wasted no time letting the world know what they felt and thought.
Is Anthony Joshua fighting in a Heavyweight bout?
User @malex200311 reckoned that Jermaine Franklin appeared gangling in comparison to Anthony Joshua!Franklin looks skinny
— Alex🏴 (@malex200311) March 27, 2023
Wondering at the American boxer’s appearance, @round_boxing seems doubtful about his weight. However, Franklin appeared suitable for the Cruiserweight, according to @round_boxing.
Franklin coming in at cruiserweight.
— My Boxing Burner (@round_boxing) March 27, 2023
Big size difference. Gets him out early.
— Paul Johnson Tog 📸 (@pauljohnsontog) March 27, 2023
AJ bulked up
— Leigh (@lionsman33) March 27, 2023
Franklin looking leaner.
— No Guaranteed Purse (@AlderMalik) March 27, 2023
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Franklin, who is yet to win a title, grabbed headlines last year for a much-contested loss to Dillian Whyte. He is expected to present a reasonable resistance to the powerful and clear-favorite Joshua. The latter, on the hand, needs the win to make a clear statement. His contention for future challenges commences with the first step on April 1.
Read More: “There Is No Competition”: Anthony Joshua Doesn’t Consider Tyson Fury a Threat to This Title
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What’s your take on the reactions? Let us know your views and opinions in the comments below.
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