Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: March 30, 2023, 00:00 IST
Boxer Anthony Joshua (AP)
Anthony Joshua takes on Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena in a non-title bout
British boxer Anthony Joshua has laughed off Jermaine Franklin’s risk of a knockout of their bout on Saturday, with the previous world heavyweight champion insisting the American has picked the “worst time” to face him.
Joshua will make his long-awaited return to the ring at London’s O2 Arena this weekend.
The 33-year-old is bidding for his first win since 2020 after successive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk saw the former Olympic champion lose, and then fail to regain, several versions of the world heavyweight title.
It will be the first time in eight years that Joshua is not fighting for a world title.
“It is the worst time to face me,” Joshua advised reporters on Wednesday.
“The extra he talks, the larger grave he digs for himself however it’s what it’s. I may say a whole lot of issues about him however I respect my opponent.
“It shouldn’t be for me to speak, it’s so that you can do all of the speaking and for me to do my job on Saturday. That is actually actually what I’m targeted on from spherical one to spherical 12.”
Joshua, whose professional record stands at 24 wins, 22 by way of knockout, and three defeats, has changed trainers ahead of this weekend’s bout, with Dallas-based Derrick James taking over from Robert Garcia.
He said he was relishing his return to action in front of a home crowd following the collapse of a heavyweight title unification bout between British rival Tyson Fury and Ukraine’s Usyk.
“There will be entertainment regardless. I think we will see blood and I just really look forward to getting in there again,” Joshua stated.
“I’m so joyful I’m preventing once more as a result of while you take a look at the champions now, it’s only a shambles if you find yourself attempting to compete with mandatories and negotiations.
“Honestly I can’t imagine no fights have been made at championship stage.”
Franklin lost narrowly to Dillian Whyte at Wembley Arena in November but stressed he is better prepared for this fight.
“I’m more ready, I’m more in shape and I’m ready to let the fireworks go. I will get the win by any means possible,” he stated.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
