‘AJ’ vs ‘989 Assassin’
It was back in October 2013 when Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22KO) made his professional debut, and only one year later when he first became a champion.
Now, he begins the 10th year of his career without any titles to defend having lost back-to-back bouts to incredible Ukrainian, Oleksandr Usyk.
His ticket to redemption lies in former Dillian Whyte opponent Jermaine Franklin (21-1, 14KO) at the O2 Arena on April 1, live on DAZN.
The man from Michigan, who was a Golden Gloves champion, came to the UK for his first fight abroad in November last year, where he gave world title contender Whyte something to think about over 12 rounds, especially when one scorecard was returned a draw, resulting in a mixed decision win to the Londoner.
The Michigander jabbed strongly to body and head, fought fire with fire, and even outlanded the home fighter by 21 punches, but the judges were swayed by the cleaner shots of Whyte.
Whichever way you scored it – it was very close indeed – it has to be said that Franklin has a strong chin, a big heart and is not to be taken lightly.
AJ’s stock has never been lower as he approaches a decade in the pro ranks. He has been largely written off by many after his shock defeats to the unheralded Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, then suffering from successive losses to former undisputed cruiserweight champion and now unified heavyweight titlist, Usyk.
In both rematches with Ruiz and Usyk, he returned more improved than before, so he is still learning and making adjustments as he goes.
Now training with Derrick James in Texas, alongside Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo, Joshua will likely have just experienced the most elite, world class, professional training camp of his entire career.
With a four-five inch height and reach advantage, the Brit will have all the advantages stacked in his favour, but the stakes are high. A third consecutive defeat would be disastrous, and Joshua knows this all too well because he has stated he will retire if he loses to Franklin on Saturday.
Betting Odds
Joshua is the favourite to win at 1/10 with Betway, while Franklin is a 6/1 underdog.
Predictions
Franklin, I believe, will have a fair few rounds in him because he is clearly tough and durable. It took a big shot from Dillian Whyte to finally make him take notice in the final round, only after he was completely exhausted in his first ever 12-round bout.
I’m really interested in seeing what improvements Derrick James will have made in AJ. What I would expect to see is a sharp, revitalised boxer with an enhanced appetite and ambition. It’s been over two years since Joshua has had his hand raised and he will be missing that feeling like mad.
If he uses his advantages, which includes his height, reach, size, strength, speed and power, then there shouldn’t be any reason he can’t win this fight by stoppage to overcome all the recent adversity and re-emerge back on top once again.
I predict Joshua to win between rounds 4-8.
