Joshua Triumphs on Points, Eyes Potential Showdown with Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua secured a dominant win over Jermaine Franklin in a unanimous decision after a hard-fought 12-round bout at O2 Arena. Though the fight went the distance, Joshua’s points victory marked a significant step forward in his comeback journey after a challenging period. In the aftermath, Joshua called for a high-profile, all-British clash with Tyson Fury, urging the WBC heavyweight champion to make the fight happen sooner rather than later.

Despite the victory, Joshua admitted that he was hoping for a knockout but was impressed by Franklin’s defensive skills. “Jermaine’s got a good duck-and-dive style,” Joshua noted after the bout. “There were opportunities there, but they were prepared for the fight. I should have knocked him out, but what can I say now? It’s done. On to the next.”

Joshua, known for his explosive power, found Franklin a difficult opponent to break down. Reflecting on his performance, Joshua said, “When people come to fight me, they muster up a different kind of energy. He had a lot of pride, he was here to prove himself. I wish I could have knocked him out, but in 15 years, no one will remember this fight anyway.”

Following the bout, Joshua made a bold statement, addressing the possibility of facing Fury in a long-awaited title clash. “I would 100% be honored to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. The ball’s in [Fury’s] court,” Joshua declared, signaling his intent for a future showdown with Fury, who has yet to confirm his next opponent.