Anthony Joshua Vs. Jermaine Franklin Preliminary And Undercard Live Results, Recaps: Fabio Wardley Stops Michael Polite Coffie
Tonight, Anthony Joshua will make a comeback to boxing after almost a year since his last fight when he takes on Jermaine Franklin at the O2, London.
Despite losing two consecutive fights against Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua is looking to rekindle his quest for a world title.
In his way is Franklin, who will be looking to right his wrong after coming second best to Dillian Whyte in his last fight, with many feeling he was hard done by in a fight that could have gone either way.
If Joshua emerges victorious, he may have the opportunity to face the other big names in the division, including Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
However, a loss could spell the end of his career, as the Brit acknowledged that he could ‘retire’ if he suffered a loss. And with Derrick James in his corner for their first bout together, the pressure is on Joshua.
The undercard, starting at 7 pm, will feature Fabio Wardley and Michael Polite Coffie in the co-main event, while domestic stars Campbell Hatton and Galal Yafai will also feature.
The headline event will start around 10:30 pm UK time live on DAZN.
Follow the Live Results, Recaps, and Highlights below, provided by FIGHT SPORTS
Co-main Event: Fabio Wardley vs. Michael Polite Coffie-Heavyweight
Wardley started quickly, landing a strong right hook that sent Coffie staggering backwards towards the ropes. Despite the blow, Coffie managed to recover quickly.
He responded with a right hook that grazed Wardley’s cheek before the latter countered with his own punches.
Wardley began the next by pushing Coffie back with quick jabs, and then followed up with two more jabs to Coffie’s body.
Coffie responded by throwing two noticeable lefts. In the next round, Wardley initiated with three right punches, but Coffie counterpunched with a left hook.
Wardley then managed to connect with a powerful punch that staggered Coffie, giving him the opportunity to continue with a flurry of punches. Eventually, the referee stopped the bout as Wardley won via a fourth-round TKO.
It's ALL OVER, @Fabio_Wardley smells blood, unloads and the ref waves it off 💥#JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/wmUc7PzJDI
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023
Official Result: Fabio Wardley def. Michael Polite Coffie via TKO
Galal Yafai vs. Moises Calleros– Flyweight
As soon as the first bell rang, Yafai took control of the center of the ring. Yafai’s straight left punches were particularly effective, and he also managed to land a smart hook on his opponent.
His accuracy and power were evident right from the off, making it an impressive first round. Calleros started the second round with effective body shots, but Yafai responded with a right hook and left jab.
Yafai started to become more strategic. And yet, Calleros got more comfortable, landing more body shots along with a smart right uppercut.
Yafai started the next with a lead right hand that snapped Calleros’ head back, as the latter endured some punishment. And at the end of the third round, Yafai continued to land more blows.
Sensing an opportunity, Yafai continued to aggressively pursue his opponent as Calleros was knocked down. Yafai was sent to the neutral corner and the referee called off the fight, much to the anger of Calleros.
It’s another win for @galal_yafai who charges towards a World Title! 💫 He stops Moises Calleros!#YafaiCalleros #JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/qh0pd3qwJ4
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 1, 2023
Official Result: Galal Yafai def. Moises Calleros via fourth-round TKO
Live Results: Main Card 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT live on DAZN
Campbell Hatton def. Louis Fielding via KO in first round
First round stoppage for @CampbellHatton! 💥
Another trademark body shot ™️#HattonFielding #JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/qbtYIg0FiJ
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 1, 2023
Austin Williams def. River Wilson-Bent via TKO in 8th round
The towel comes in! Ammo Williams gets River Wilson-Bent out in the eighth round 🪓 #WilliamsWilsonBent #JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/qutB91lVB9
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 1, 2023
Live Results: Early Prelims 11am ET Time
John Hedges def. Daniel Bocianski via decision (80-72)
Another win for the Gentleman, classy performance from @johnhedges_ 👏
Tune-in now 👉 https://t.co/U5qU4erAui#JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/qtgi2BnWtZ
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023
Ziyad Al Maayouf def. Georgi Velichkov via decision (39-37)
𝒁𝑰𝒁𝑶 🙌@ZAlmaayouf beats Georgi Velichkov on points at The O2. 39-37
UK debut to remember 🤝 #JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/76wsIhyA8C
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 1, 2023
Jordan Flynn def. Kane Baker via decision (77-75)
WHAT A WAR 🔥
🥊 Jordan Flynn edges out Kane Baker in an absolute cracker on the undercard of Joshua vs Franklin.
Full credit to both lads 👏🏼
🎬 @MatchroomBoxing #JoshuaFranklin #BoxingFans #BoxingWorldpic.twitter.com/xQj7lZY3p9
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) April 1, 2023
Benoit Huber def. Juergen Uldedaj via decision (77-75)
Upset on the #JoshuaFranklin undercard!
Benoit Huber takes Juergen Uldedaj's 0 with a 77-75 decision! pic.twitter.com/Oe95zowKSb
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 1, 2023
Peter Kadiru def. Alen Lauriolle via TKO in round one
🇩🇪 German heavyweight Peter Kadiru moves to 15-1 after opponent Alen Lauriolle retires in the corner after one round.#JoshuaFranklin pic.twitter.com/W6MMkN9GlN
— iD Boxing (@idboxingnews) April 1, 2023