Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua returns to the O2 for the first time in seven years to get his career back on track. The last time he was there, Anthony Joshua TKO’ed Dominic Brezeale to retain his IBF heavyweight title. This time around, the former champ faces American Jermaine Franklin seeking rehabilitation and an opportunity to get back into the shop window for a bout against Tyson Fury. Tyson versus Franklin is the headline event on All Fools’ Day in the British capital.
Boxing: Heavyweight
Location: O2 Arena
Date: 1.4.2023, 22:30
Where to watch: DAZN
Anthony Joshua
Fans and critics are both querying where to place Anthony Joshua in the pantheon of heavyweight greats. His two losses against the former undisputed Cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk did much to diminish his standings in the eyes of casual and expert boxing watchers, with many wondering how he could not win against the much lighter opponent. The former Olympic heavyweight gold medalist has only fought fighter Usyk since 2021. In his last five fights, he is 2-3, including his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019. Notwithstanding the backlash, Joshua has a stellar resume with twenty-two knockouts from twenty-four fights.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 6’ 6”
- Reach: 82”
- Record: 24-3
Apparently if I lose against him, my career is done. All these narratives that they create, I’ve just got to make sure I live in my own realm. I’m not going to lose.
Jermaine Franklin
After fighting primarily in America for all of his career, Franklin became known internationally when he fought against Dillian Whyte last November in Britain. After making lots of noise that he will defeat Whyte, Jermaine Franklin lost by majority decision. His performance has given the contender a chance at a big payday against Anthony Joshua. The 28-year-old fighter from Michigan has been described as the next American great, and until his loss against Whyte, he had carried a perfect record.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6’ 2”
- Reach: 77.2”
- Record: 21-1
I’ve got the utmost confidence. I believe I can beat anybody. That’s never a doubt in my mind. If you doubt yourself you’re in the wrong sport, this ain’t the sport for that. So as a man, he’s a man just like I am. He bleeds just like I do, so I got the confidence to pull this victory out.
Betting Odds
Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification is priced at 1.30 odds on Bet365. Franklin by KO or TKO is available at 12.00 odds. Total over 7.5 rounds is priced at 2.05 odds on Coinplay, while under 7.5 rounds goes for 1.7 odds. On 1XBET, a decision win for Anthony Joshua is priced at 4.5 odds, and Joshua winning by unanimous decision is at 7.00 odds.
