Anthony Joshua must beat Jermaine Franklin to end a worrying run of form
Anthony Joshua will face Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena as he looks to rebuild his boxing career. The two-time world champion has won just two of his last five bouts. His recent form in the ring has hurt his reputation hugely – he is no longer seen as the number-one heavyweight fighter. Now Joshua must beat Franklin if he is to have any chance of returning to his prior levels.
Joshua is the clear favorite
Joshua is certainly expected to defeat Franklin, however, there is still huge pressure after three losses in his last five outings. In the Joshua vs Franklin odds from Paddy Power, the former is offered at -1200 to win the fight against Franklin. Joshua is a huge favorite and it is foreseeable he could showcase some of the knockout power that he has not shown for some time now.
In outright markets for boxing bets, the British fighter is offered at -400 to win by knockout or technical knockout.
Look at Anthony Joshua’s knuckles.
The body incredibly to the stresses you place on it. pic.twitter.com/HNyYUJ05yE
— The Combat Therapist🥷🏽 (@CombatTherapist) March 28, 2023
Joshua’s fall from grace
Joshua is expected to provide a strong reaction after falling short in his title shot against Oleksandr Usyk, as reported by DAZN. Before 2019, Joshua had a flawless boxing CV with victories in all of his 22 fights. He triumphed via knockouts or technical knockouts in all but one of his triumphs before facing Andy Ruiz. Joshua certainly did not benefit from mismatches in terms of his opposition. He defeated greats such as Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte with stoppages and was seen as the strongest heavyweight on the planet.
Joshua’s 2019 began with a defeat to Andy Ruiz to lose the four belts he held. Joshua was handed the first defeat of his career in New York via unanimous decision. The Watford-born fighter responded perfectly with a rematch victory against the American six months later to reclaim his belts. Joshua’s performance suggested his previous defeat was little more than a blip. He defeated Ruiz via knockout in the sequel in Saudi Arabia.
Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev was next for the Englishman and he certainly offered a strong test. The Cobra boasts a long successful career in the heavyweight division including victories against the likes of Derek Chisora. Joshua was never in trouble during the fight and recorded yet another knockout triumph.
Joshua was at a positive stage in his career with just one defeat on his record heading into 2021 and all but one heavyweight belt to his name. He had ensured the Ruiz defeat did not affect him long-term and mounted back-to-back triumphs since. Joshua’s resilience to fight back after his first defeat led to a title bout against Usyk.
USYK HAS NOW CONQUERED THE UK!
🇬🇧 Tony Bellew in the UK
🇬🇧 Derek Chisora in the UK
🇬🇧 Anthony Joshua in the UK
🇬🇧 Anthony Joshua 2 in Saudi
🇬🇧Defeated Tyson Fury without a punch needed. KO by negotiations. pic.twitter.com/m67MmuEpI1— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) March 22, 2023
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was the venue for the first fight between the English and Ukrainian fighter. Both fighters hit heavy blows in a chaotic contest in which Usyk eventually came out on top. Joshua managed to go the distance once again, but a unanimous decision awarded Usyk the victory. The rematch in Saudi Arabia was a familiar story. Usyk claimed victory this time via a split decision setting a worrying precedent for Joshua. Whenever fights go the distance he tends to fall to defeat – it is often knockout or bust for Joshua.
Joshua has claimed that he will retire if he does not end his torrid form in the ring against Franklin, as covered by Boxing Scene. The legendary fighter’s career has certainly hit a crossroads – either Joshua’s legacy strengthens with victory or it comes to a devastating end.
