The O2 Arena: London
After going 2-3 in his last five-fights, it would be expected that the returning Anthony Joshua would be hesitant. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion has a new coach and team trying to bring him back to the top of the big boy division. But in that journey, the first steps the toughest.
Were there mistakes made during the fight with American Jermaine Franklin? Yes, but less than a handful. And that’s only if one is being very picky. Those “nerves” in Joshua is what is allowed “989 Assassin” to stick around for the judges cards. 118-111 and (2x) 117-111, by the way. There was way too much holding, albeit the majority was by Franklin. Franklin also despite being stung multiple times stayed upright. And that’s what a serviceable fighter does.
Joshua’s right uppercuts looked as crisp as they ever did though. He also had his rights and body shots working. But when he’s his best of him he’s on his toes of him. And that was lacking in the fight. Post-fight he said:
“I know who the fans want. The balls in Fury’s court. I would be 100% honored to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world. So wherever you are, if you’re listening you know my management. You know my promoter… We’re not getting any younger”
First Steps The Toughest But There’s A Long Way To Go
He knows deep down especially minus a highlight knockout of Franklin, he’s not getting anywhere near Tyson Fury. And to be honest, he won’t be getting into the truly deep end of the division either just yet. The training will continue to improve, at least he hopes. But what could benefit him is a true bad guy. Someone that will dog him with trash-talk to help get him laser focused on a target on their chin.
A fighter like Jarrell Miller fits that type of bill perfectly. And Miller has been calling him out again, since his failed drug tests on him. Recently he said “stop being ap***y, we have unfinished business”. If Joshua is able to work Miller’s body it opens up that chin.
There’s a laundry list of solid veteran fighters for Joshua. One’s that’ll challenge him in close, but none like Big Baby. Because trainers can’t put a controlled aggression into a fighter. They can’t even help replace it once it slips away. Only an opponent that pushes buttons can. And that test will prove if belts will one-day return to Joshua’s waist.
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