Joshua vs Franklin LIVE: Result, reaction and latest updates after AJ claims victory
Anthony Joshua outpointed American Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena to bounce back after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua outpointed Jermaine Franklin in London tonight as the British heavyweight got back to winning ways.
Joshua, 33, pulled off a first win since 2020 after suffering back-to-back defeats by Oleksandr Usyk, reigniting his career after emerging with a unanimous decision at The O2 in London.
The former Olympic champion, who switched his trainer to American Derrick James for this fight, secure the morale-boosting performance behind a crisp jab and a series of brutal uppercuts. American Franklin proved his worth and added to his reputation after a controversial loss to Dillian Whyte, with his leaner physique ensuring Joshua was troubled by his movement and slippery combinations.
Tonight was the first step back towards a world-title fight for Joshua, with Dillian Whyte or Tyson Fury likely next for AJ. Follow all the reaction and analysis from a thrilling night of boxing below:
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Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Next up? Team GB Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai continues his young pro career, taking on Moises Calleros at flyweight.
Yafai will enter this one with a 3-0 (2 KOs) record.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Hatton: “Everything can be improved. Take my time, pick my shots. I’ve shown myself what I can do when I pick one.
“There’s no going back, there’s no rush in eight rounds. I had the eight-round mindset, it’ll help me.
“It would’ve been nice to show everybody; I’ve tired at the back end of fights, but people know how fit I am. It’d have been nice to show that, but I don’t need to.”
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Hatton moves to 11-0 with that one, securing the fourth stoppage win of his professional career.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Campbell Hatton def. Louis Fielding via first-round KO (1:29).
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Campbell Hatton def. Louis Fielding via first-round KO (1:29).
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton beats Louis Fielding in Round 1
Round 1
Both men stand orthodox. Hatton gets off some decent jabs early, one snapping back the head of Fielding.
Another lands for Hatton, and Fielding’s face is already bright red.
Fielding is able to land a decent right hook as Hatton steps in, but it’s all over in the next exchange!!
Hatton puts down Fielding with a brutal body shot! Fielding can’t beat the referee’s count, and this one is done in the first round.
It was a left hook that finished the fight.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton faces Louis Fielding
Fielding comes in with a 10-7 professional record, while Hatton is unbeaten at 10-0.
This one is scheduled for eight rounds.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as Campbell Hatton faces Louis Fielding
Campbell Hatton vs Louis Fielding is up next at super-lightweight.
Hatton is the son of British boxing icon Ricky “the Hitman”, of course.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates as tribute paid to late Ken Buchanan
A moment’s remembrance – sadly spoilt by some insensitive fans in the O2 – for the late Ken Buchanan.
Ten bells sound in tribute to the Scot, a former world champion, who died today aged 77.
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