Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua returned to winning form on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, securing a unanimous decision over Jermaine Franklin. The 33‑year‑old British‑Nigerian heavyweight controlled the contest against the durable American, though the bout did not end in the explosive early finish many had anticipated and betting sites had predicted. The judges scored the fight 118‑111, 117‑111, and 117‑111 in Joshua’s favor.
Joshua’s uppercuts landed the most damage, while Franklin absorbed every blow, boldly refusing to go down. Tempers flared after the final bell when the two fighters squared off, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security.
The victory marks Joshua’s first win in more than two years, following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. “It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck‑and‑dive style; somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out,” Joshua said. “I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”
With this win, Joshua has compiled a record of 25 victories—22 by stoppage—and three losses since turning professional in 2013. It is Franklin’s second defeat; the 29‑year‑old previously lost to fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in November.
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