Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin: New Dawn

It’s being billed as a “New Dawn” and that’s exactly what it is when Anthony Joshua meets Jermaine Franklin on the 1st of April in the O2 Arena, London. It's Joshua's first non-world title fight since 2015 when he squared off with Franklin's last opponent - Dillian Whyte. It's hard to beat being live in the arena, but we've done it. There is nowhere better to watch Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin than live in a We Love Sport pub or bar. Great screens, fantastic pints and an immersive atmosphere, we can get you feeling like you're in the O2 arena.

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April 1 2023 | 7:00pm


 

Tale of the Tape

Anthony Joshua (24-3) has been one of the biggest stars in boxing. Every fight he has been in since 2016 has been a world title fight, competing all over the globe. This is his first fight that's not for a world title since he fought Charles Martin. Oleksandr Usyk defeated Joshua twice in the past two years & it's led to Joshua taking this step back and going again. At only 33, Joshua has time to go on another title charge, but it needs to start by defeating Jermaine Franklin in a dominant fashion. Franklin's (21-1) career has been the classic American career. 21 fights in America against lowly-ranked fighters before making his move. Fair play to Franklin, he made the move after 21 fights and came to fight a game Dillian Whyte. The 989 Assassin lost the fight by majority decision, but that doesn't mean this is an easy fight for Joshua. In the eyes of most, Franklin defeated Whyte in London, despite the scorecards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0iRotxlQhg

How will it go down?

The Watford man meets the Michigan native and truly, it should be a banger. Jermaine Franklin has gone the distance in 5 out of his last 6 fights, winning 4 via decision. Franklin has the stamina to last and it's up to Joshua to get him out of there early. Joshua made a career out of knocking people out, but it's slowed down recently. One thing this does show is, AJ has developed that energy and will to get to the final bell if needs be. A points decision against a relatively unheard of fighter is not enough for Joshua though. Anthony Joshua took it steady against Usyk, and rightfully so. That can't be the case here. He will need to go for the juggernaut early if he wants to catch the eyes of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and even Deontay Wilder.

We Love Sport Prediction

It's not quite going to be the walkover many casual fans expect. Yes, Whyte technically beat Franklin, but truth be told that was the wrong decision. But that doesn't mean Anthony Joshua isn't the clear favourite. Likelihood is Joshua will take a few rounds to get on his feet and then finish Franklin in the mid to late rounds. Saying that, he could also blitz him. Nobody knows where Anthony Joshua's head is right now. Prediction: Anthony Joshua via 8th round knockout.

We Love Sport x Boxing

We love boxing at We Love Sport and we're trying to bring the adrenaline and immersive feeling of fight night to our pubs and bars! It's been a strong era of heavyweight boxing and we're hoping that Anthony Joshua can find some form and get back to his best. Until then, We Love Sport pubs and bars are the place to watch the fights!

Book now to grab a piece of the action!

April 01 2023 |  7:00pm