Fight against Jeremaine Franklin | ‘Worst time to face me,’ says Anthony Joshua

(London) British boxer Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight champion, claimed on Wednesday, three days before his fight against Jermaine Franklin, that the American had chosen the “worst time” to face him.

“The more he talks, the more he digs his grave, but that’s the way it is. I could say a lot about him, but I respect my opponent, “said the Briton at a press conference, mocking Franklin’s threat to knock him out.

The 33-year-old Joshua is aiming for his first victory since 2020, after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk saw him lose multiple versions of his world heavyweight title, failing to win it back.

The 2012 Olympic champion, who has a professional record of 24 wins, 22 by knockout, and three losses, changed coaches ahead of this weekend’s fight, with Dallas-based Derrick James taking over from Robert Garcia.

“There will be a show no matter what. I think we’ll see some blood and I can’t wait to get back there,” he said.

The UK native of Watford welcomed his return to a ring at London’s O2 Arena in front of his home crowd, after a failed heavyweight title unification bout between British rival Tyson Fury and Ukrainian Usyk.

For the first time in eight years, Joshua will not be fighting for a world title.

For his part, Franklin lost narrowly to fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in November at Wembley Arena. But the American stressed that he was better prepared for this fight. “I’m more prepared, I’m in better shape and I’m ready to ignite the powder. I will win by any means possible,” he said.