Joshua to face Franklin April 1

• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22KO) has agreed to face American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin (21-1, 14KO) at the O2 Arena on April 1, according to the Daily Mail.

It was learnt that Franklin and Joshua have agreed financial terms for the fight and are set to sign the final bits of paperwork early this week.

Both boxers, who each suffered defeats in their last fights, will meet in London on the 91st day of the year, also known as April Fools Day.

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua was looking for a top-15 contender as a comeback fight from back to back defeats yo Oleksandr Usyk, to then propel him into a rematch with Dillian Whyte in the summer. All being well, AJ planned to clock up a couple of wins before challenging the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or a trilogy fight with Usyk.

AJ was set to face Tyson Fury in December, but negotiations between the...