Anthony Joshua’s April 1 opponent to be announced next week

To Adam BaskinAnthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hahn says his April 1st opponent will be announced next week, hinting it could be American Jermaine Franklin.

Hahn rattled off four options for AJ, eliminating three of them, leaving only Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Franklin is a controversial fighter who scored a 12-round majority vote against Dillian White at Wembley Arena in London last November 26th. .

Hahn effectively eliminated Otto Wallin and Demsey McKean from the four contestants, not wanting Joshua and Southpaw to face each other in their next fight.

Filip Hrugovic, the fighter Hearn wanted to face Joshua, was ordered by the IBF to face Andy Ruiz Jr. in the next title eliminator.

“He’s definitely in the mix. When asked if Jermaine Franklin could be an option for Anthony Joshua’s April 1 bout, Eddie Hahn told Boxing Social rice field.

“Working with new trainers means southpaw fighters, even if AJ boxed one of them twice,” Hahn said, adding that southpaw McKean could face Joshua in April. low.

“Looking at the future of Anthony Joshua, the future revolves around Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Dillian White. Three orthodox fighters. .

“I think Jermaine Franklin is a great fighter. People say, “It’s definitely Jermaine Franklin.” not signed or consented, but Jermaine Franklin is coming out of what was a very close battle with Dillian White. Some felt he won that battle,” Hahn said.

Interestingly, many British boxing fans don’t like the idea of ​​Joshua fighting Franklin.

The Americans saw it as a clear win for Franklin, who dominated the 34-year-old White in the first nine rounds, easily outboxing him and making him look much older than his actual age.

White rallied in the championship round, but was still being pushed out by Franklin.

The only round that could be given to White clearly was the 12th when he emptied his gas tank and knocked Franklin into the ropes in the final seconds. Some fans think Franklin was injured, but in reality he was knocked back into the ropes and covered up.

“I’ve seen most of the reactions on social media of people saying, ‘It’s a good game to come back to.’ I saw an article by Gareth Davies on The Telegraph and this is puzzling.

“I don’t understand some people’s criticism of AJ dropping out of him. [loss]He fought Oleksandr Usyk twice. If he fights Demsey McKean, Otto Wallin, Jermaine FranklinI don’t understand what someone who wants to come back with a new trainer and regain his footing in the heavyweight division wants.

“Jermaine Franklin is a dangerous fight for Anthony Joshua. He is full of confidence and put in a great performance against Dillian White. Camping, he’s going to the O2 Arena on April 1st, probably announced next week.

When asked if Franklin was the frontrunner for Joshua’s April 1 bout, Hahn replied, “Not necessarily.” Otto Wallin’s in the mix. There are a lot of people who put their names forward for that fight, probably half of the 15 people in the world.

“Filip Hrgovic is another man. It’s a tough fight for AJ. It’s a great fight, but I think it’s more likely that after the Usyk Fury fight, we’ll probably see AJ vs. Filip Hrgovic for the IBF world title.” .

“I think so [for the vacant IBF belt] By the time it comes, though, it’s a good fight, a dangerous one. Any of those players are good fights for AJ to come back,” Hahn said.