Former two time unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is edging towards finally returning to the ring after his back to back defeats Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Joshua lost both fights via point verdicts in London and Saudi Arabia respectively falling from his mantle as the unified champion in convincing fashion against his Ukranian adversary.
Since then Joshua has had a protracted negotiation fall by the wayside with Tyson Fury after the pair and promoters Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren and Top Rank failed to agree terms with issues regarding to contract issues for a scheduled date in December of 2022. Ultimately Joshua sat out for the rest of 2022.
Names mentioned as possible opponents for the return of Joshua have included Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder and Dempsey McKean. Dillain Whyte is a domestic rival, the two have previous and would be an easy sell in the UK. Deontay has for a long time been on the radar of Joshua however similar to the Fury situation, couldnt agree terms along with promoter Eddie Hearn’s poor relationship with Premier Boxing Champions, Al Hamon and Shelly Finkel (manager of Wilder. Dempsey McKean is listed as an opponent and been linked because he fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner and possess an high ranking within the IBF heavyweight ratings.
However the leading name currently is Jermaine Franklin of the U.S. A fighter not known to many within British boxing circles, put up a valiant and should have been given the verdict on points after his performance against Dillian Whyte in London back in November. Naturally Franklin was outraged at the verdict but seemingly his efforts has gone to waste.
The Daily Express newspaper has reported that Franklin is leading the way with a guaranteed purse of £800,000 (GBP) with a top end factoring in pay-per-view sales a pay day of £2,000,000 GBP. The same publication is also reporting that if Franklin was to reject the terms for the fight then former WBC world title challenger Gerald Washington is on stand by to fill the void left by Franklin if that situation was to arise. The date reported is scheduled to be April 1st at the 02 Arena in London and will be broadcast at time of publication on DAZN PPV.
