In a highly anticipated heavyweight boxing bout at London's O2 Arena, Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways by outpointing Jermaine Franklin on Saturday.
Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, had lost his last two fights against Oleksandr Usyk and was looking to make a statement with a convincing win over Franklin.
After 12 rounds, Joshua was awarded a unanimous points decision victory with the three judges scoring the fight 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 in favour of the Briton. "It was important to win," Joshua said. "Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well. "I should have knocked him out but it is done.
On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out." Despite repeatedly landing with his left jab and several powerful rights, the American challenger Jermaine Franklin went the distance, "He is here to prove himself, not roll over." However, Joshua's hand was raised in victory, earning his 25th win in 28 professional fights and keeping alive his hopes for a "Battle of Britain" clash with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. "I try and provide for the fans," said Joshua. "They said Tyson Fury; the ball is in his court.