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After 2 losses to Usyk, Joshua is set to return against Fury's sparring partner Jermaine Franklin.
British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring against American Jermaine Franklin.
Joshua comes into the fight on the back of two losses against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk back in 2021 defeated Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London to become the IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion of the World.
In a rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it was the same result as Usyk outclassed Joshua after 12 rounds.
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Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin
After the second defeat to Usyk, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom boxing stated that there is a three-fight plan in place for his client to become a three-time heavyweight boxing champion.
Hearn stated that Joshua would return against a top 15 caliber heavyweight in the first four months of 2023.
According to ESPN, Matchroom boxing on behalf of Joshua has been able to set up a fight against Franklin.
In a report by Mike Coppinger, negotiations have concluded to set up a fight between Joshua and Franklin at the O2 Arena in London.
Dmitry Salita promoter of Frankin explained to ESPN that an agreement has been reached for the fight between the two sides.
He said, "Jermaine is a world-class heavyweight on his way to bringing a big win back home.
"We hope to get the deal over the finish line shortly. I signed Jermaine a little more than three years ago and I always believed he had the skills to be one of the best heavyweights in the world.
"He's shown that throughout his career and to worldwide fans in his last fight against Dillian Whyte.
“Not only has he shown he has world-class skills, but he's shown the mental strength to perform thousands of miles away from home in a hostile crowd and that will be a key ingredient on April 1.
"Like myself, most fans and most press felt Jermaine won the fight. Being an underdog and doing what he did is incredible on such a high level.
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“Some similarities to [Andy] Ruiz vs. Joshua. Ruiz was also the underdog and they both size, quick hands, a good chin, the ability to come forward and the desire to win."
Franklin was last in action against Joshua back in November in the United Kingdom.
He will aim to follow in the footsteps of Andy Ruiz who inflicted Joshua with his first loss at Madison Square Garden, New York back in 2019.
Franklin a former sparring partner of World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will take on Joshua on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
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