Joshua feels that the matchup with Fury is the one that “boxing needs”

Following his victory over American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin in a “fight to the death,” Anthony Joshua has asserted that a “Battle of Britain” with Tyson Fury is the battle “the boxing world needs.”
Joshua, a former world champion, won by unanimous decision at London’s O2 Arena late on Saturday.

It was his first professional victory since 2020, but it was a bit laborious.
Another loss may have spelled the end of Joshua’s career after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, who denied the now-33-year-old of his world titles in Tottenham two years ago.

Joshua, however, defeated Franklin with a decisive score of 118-11, 117-111, and 117-111 on the three judges’ scorecards. He did this by frequently landing his left jab and striking Franklin with many strong right-handed punches.

The idea of Joshua taking face the unbeaten WBC champion Fury has been floated for a while.

However, the much anticipated match never took place when they both had world titles, and the London-based boxer’s defeats to Usyk seemed to have dashed dreams of the “super fight” ever taking place.

However, since negotiations between Fury’s camp and the Ukrainian hero Usyk’s team failed, the match may still go through.

Going towards the dream
Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion, has a professional record of 25 wins, including 22 knockouts, and three losses. There is no question that this fight thrills Joshua.

That is the treasure chest. The world’s heavyweight champion according to the WBC is that “said he. “It all revolves around that, therefore Tyson Fury is a must.

“Yes, getting back into action after such a long break would be fantastic (in another warm-up battle). Yet occasionally, you have to seize the chance with both hands when it comes along. I would absolutely take it and grasp it in both hands. The boxing community demands it.”

The battle on Saturday came to an odd close after Joshua shoved Franklin and Lorenzo Reynolds, the strength and conditioning coach for the American, appeared to strike the bell for the 12th round early.

Joshua was under the instruction of Dallas-based trainer Derrick James at the time, but what really irked him was his inability to defeat Franklin.

As a knockout is the ultimate objective, he admitted, “deep down I’m not satisfied.” “A knockout is the best, bar none. But that is how things are.

And knowing that a bout with Fury was once again on the horizon, he was sure that his performance demonstrated that his enthusiasm for boxing had not diminished.

Joshua asked as he thought back on the Franklin fight, “Do or die? That must have been amazing to compete in front of 20,000 spectators. There is no obligation.

On the whole, it’s a good thing. After a battle, when I glance outside the ring, I think, “That is nuts.” Check out all those folks. It’s demeaning.

“I have a genuine affinity for the game for a variety of reasons. The list is lengthy, but I’m determined to seeing it through.

“We are still looking for something, according to the reality I’m living. Yes, I continue to pursue my dream.

AFP