Anthony Joshua Outpoints Jermaine Franklin As Tempers Flare In Post-Fight Brawl
Anthony Joshua secured a unanimous points win against Jermaine Franklin as tempers flared in a hotly-contested bout.
Although Joshua dominated the fight against the resilient American, it did not end in the quick and decisive manner that was predicted, much to the disappointment of the large number of Brits who were following him.
And after the end of the fight, things got out of control. The two boxers got into a heated exchange, as their respective teams had to enter the ring to be separated by security.
STILL GOING AT IT AFTER THE BELL 🤯#JoshuaFranklin LIVE on DAZN now pic.twitter.com/9XZhGx6r2c
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023
Putting the hostility to one side, Joshua achieved his first victory since his back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, dispeling the question marks surrounding his future.
Performance
From the beginning, Franklin struggled to penetrate Joshua’s defense and get past his jab. Joshua began to gain momentum and successfully landed a left hook while maintaining his excellent footwork.
Blood began running from Joshua’s nose, with fears that it may have been broken. However, Joshua was unperturbed with another impressive round, even with blood running down his shorts.
Franklin became increasingly assertive in his attempts in the third. His confidence and aggressiveness grew as the fight progressed. Joshua was in the lead, but Franklin slowly grew into the fight.
Franklin continued his momentum and initiated the fourth round by throwing two consecutive jabs. Franklin was on the front foot, delivering body shots as the round ended with both fighters exchanging powerful blows.
Finding a home for the right hand 😮💨#JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/i2mNtrMQ4U
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023
Joshua immediately started the next, aggressively targeting his opponent’s head, but got caught with a beautifully executed uppercut.
The two exchanged blows in the center of the ring, but it was Franklin that got the upper hand in the exchange. During the second half of the fight, it was clear that Joshua was ahead, despite his tendency to be a little cautious.
Franklin began to tire, as it was clear that his output had decreased. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Joshua landed a powerful body shot that shook Franklin early in the 11th, followed by an uppercut.
Although Joshua was seeking a knockout, Franklin showed great resilience in enduring some heavy punches, and the fight went on until the final bell.
Following the final bell, Joshua and Franklin had to be physically separated in an emotional moment stemming from the intensity of their 12-round battle. Additionally, Tony Bellew was reportedly involved in a ringside altercation with a member of Franklin’s team, which added to the commotion.
Tony Bellew in an altercation with a member of Jermaine Franklin's team at ringside after the end of the Anthony Joshua fight, according to DAZN commentary.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 1, 2023
Joshua’s record now stands at 25 victories, 22 of which were won by knockout, and he still has the possibility of facing Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in the future.
Post Fight Comments
The fans want @anthonyjoshua vs. @Tyson_Fury 👀#JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/B0T73yOkrP
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023
“If it weren’t a knockout it was important to get the win. You see Jermaine’s got a good duck and dive style. Someone else from Britain will knock him out, probably.
“There were opportunities there, but he knew how to tuck up. Respect to him, he done well and I respect him for that. Well done to him and his team for preparing.
“You know that they were prepared for the fight, I should have knocked him out but what can I say? It’s done and on to the next. I try to provide for the fans. Who do the fans want? They said Fury? The ball is in his court,” Joshua