Anthony Joshua will make his long-awaited ring return against American challenger Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1, live on DAZN.
Joshua looks to bounce back from successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, whilst Franklin was deemed unfortunate by some to be on the losing end of a decision defeat to Dillian Whyte in November.
A rematch with Whyte could await ‘AJ’ with victory, with the 33-year-old returning to the O2 Arena for the first time since 2016 where he stopped Dominic Breazeale.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion will also be compete in a non-world title bout for for the first time in almost seven years having fought in 11 consecutive world title fights since winning the vacant IBF crown against Charles Martin.
The Watford man has relocated his training camp to Texas after switching to world-renowned trainer Derrick James, who coaches the likes of unified welterweight world champion, Errol Spence Jr and undisputed super welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo among others.
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” he said.
“Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Joshua parted ways with Robert Garcia who oversaw his rematch defeat to Usyk alongside Angel Fernandez, who appears to have also been moved on.
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This will also mark Joshua’s first fight on DAZN in the UK after leaving career-long broadcaster Sky Sports to sign with the streaming platform prior his last fight with Usyk.
Despite this, backers in Saudi Arabia who had ownership of the show awarded Sky Sports the broadcast rights in the UK and Ireland.
AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has outlined a three-fight plan for the Brirtish star for this year, teasing a major showdown with either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury should he overcome Franklin and Whyte, who he is expected to rematch in the summer, as long as he beats the 29-year-old seven weeks on Saturday.
“Get ready for the return of Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show.
“We live in a mad world. This guy has gone on a run where he’s beaten Charles Martin, Molina, Breazeale, Klitschko, Parker, Povetkin, Takam, Ruiz, Pulev, and fought Usyk twice. With no break. No easy nights.
“He comes off the back of one good fight with Usyk and one where he was dominated. He’s fought the pound-for-pound number one twice.
“The disrespect on this man’s name is unbelievable.
“People who want to downplay his achievements, people who want to say he’s finished in the sport – get f***ing ready for the return of Anthony Joshua on April the 1st.
“Cause this guy right now is in Texas, working and grinding every day.
“This guy’s got money in the bank, he’s got world championship belts on the wall, he don’t care for either of them – he cares for the sport of boxing. He cares for regaining his world heavyweight titles, and I’m telling you he’s coming back with vengeance.
“He’s about to make an assault on the world heavyweight title again … write him off at your peril.”
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Franklin suffered a first professional defeat to Whyte, but has vowed to stop Joshua to avoid the need for judges on the night.
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” he said.
“Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card.
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“I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
Joshua and Franklin are expected to come face-to-face for the first time at a press conference in London this week.
