Anthony Joshua feeling 'fresh and young' ahead of must-win clash with Jermaine Franklin

Anthony Joshua insists he is still feeling fresh as he targets his first win since 2020 after putting “his heart back” into boxing.
By Mark Mann-Bryans, PA
Published 9th Feb 2023, 16:28 BST
Updated 9th Feb 2023, 16:28 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The two-time former world heavyweight champion will face Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1 having lost his last two fights to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua’s last victory came against Kubrat Pulev in December 2020, while American Franklin beat Pavel Sour and Rodney Moore before losing a close fight against Dillian White at Wembley Arena in November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Joshua will be seen by many as a veteran, having fought 27 times professionally, but the 33-year-old claims to still be feeling at his best.

Anthony Joshua talks to the media during a press conference at the Hilton London Syon Park on Thursday ahead of his heavyweight clash with American Jermaine Franlkin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Anthony Joshua talks to the media during a press conference at the Hilton London Syon Park on Thursday ahead of his heavyweight clash with American Jermaine Franlkin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Anthony Joshua talks to the media during a press conference at the Hilton London Syon Park on Thursday ahead of his heavyweight clash with American Jermaine Franlkin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Asked if he felt like a seasoned professional, Joshua replied: “No, I still feel fresh and young.

“I adapted to certain fights so I didn’t take crazy punishment so at this stage of my career I don’t think ‘s***, I’ve taken so much punishment’ or I’m war-torn. I still feel fresh.

“I like making money, straight up, this is a prize-fighting sport. People question if my head is in the game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So many fighters go to the gym every day but it is different when you put your heart into it and I had to get rid of some distractions and things in my life to put my heart back into the game.”

With Joshua returning to action looking to get back to winning ways, he has relocated to Texas where he is trained by new coach Derrick James.

Despite the move, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist admits he has had no time to enjoy his new surroundings as he prepares for the challenge of Franklin.

“It is not because I ain’t seen anything,” he replied when asked by promoter Eddie Hearn about the excitement of moving to the United States.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m not there for anything else, I’m a serious person so I am not there for anything else. Throughout my career this is probably the most serious I have taken it.

“Everything I've been through - positive, negative - I'm using it to fuel my camp now.’

Nothing other than a convincing win will suffice for Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn described April's contest as “perhaps the most important chapter so far” for the Watford star.

Related topics:Anthony JoshuaEddie HearnPeople