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 after ‘Ammo’ Williams stops River Wilson-Bent
Austin “Ammo” Williams def. River Wilson-Bent via eighth-round TKO (1:01).
Joshua vs Franklin live updates after ‘Ammo’ Williams stops River Wilson-Bent
It was a valiant and at times rather impressive showing from Wilson-Bent, but in the end he could only delay what many felt was an inevitable finish for Williams.
Williams stays unbeaten here (14-0), having knocked down Wilson-Bent in Round 7 before the towel came in a round later.
Joshua vs Franklin live updates after ‘Ammo’ Williams stops River Wilson-Bent
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 8
Another heavy left hook is on the mark for Williams, and then he pours on more punches, with Wilson-Bent against the ropes!
And the towel comes in from Wilson-Bent’s corner!
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 7
The middleweights trade simultaneous hooks. Wilson-Bent is then warned by the referee, it seems for leading with his head.
The action resumes, and down Wilson-Bent goes! It’s a hard, counter left hook that puts him down! He beats the referee’s count, but his mouthguard needs putting back in.
The fight is back under way, and Williams has Wilson-Bent backed up. The American senses a finish. A well-timed left cross stings Wilson-Bent. He fights back, though!
Williams then burrows a right hook into the chin of a crouching Wilson Bent.
The fighters hit the mat after a bit of wrestling, but the action soon resumes. A sharp cross lands for Williams late in the round.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 6
Williams misses with a step-in right, but he lands the subsequent left hook to the body as Wilson-Bent slips the first punch.
Williams tags an off-balance Wilson-Bent with a right hook to the head now.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 5
Great work from Wilson-Bent, staying busy in the clinch.
Now he lands a jab but eats a stinging cross for his trouble. Williams parries the next jab and fires his own, to the body of Wilson-Bent.
A cross by Wilson-Bent sends sweat or spit flying from the face of his opponent. Body hook by Wilson-bent now, then an uppercut to the head, but he’s caught upstairs by Williams between those shots.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 4
A sharp left cross lands for southpaw Williams. Wilson-Bent fires back with his own snapping cross, from his orthodox stance.
Wilson-Bent tags Williams on the end of another straight shot, before rolling under a wild left hook.
Again Williams tries a left hook but can only find the forearm of his opponent.
Wilson-Bent with a really encouraging spell here. He’s hurting Williams to the head and body, and the American’s shots are becoming pretty unruly.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 3
Wilson-Bent backs up Williams and lands a barrage of body hooks.
The middleweights separate, and Williams opts for straight shots to close range. First he targets the head, then the body.
Wilson-Bent leans into a solid left hook by his opponent now, absorbing it to the head.
Wilson-Bent just misses with a right overhand. He’s biting hard on Williams’ feints, too.
The fighters trade heavy punches late in the round! Wilson-Bent’s corner enjoyed that.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 2
Williams lands a sharp southpaw cross after narrowly missing with one.
Wilson-Bent grabs ahold of the American and lands a right hook to the body, before squeezing an uppercut through Williams’ guard and onto his chin.
The pair separate, and Williams lands a straight shot to the ribs and then a hook up top.
Williams feints a double-jab before stepping in and landing the third.
A sloppy exchange ensues, before the middleweights clinch against the ropes late in the round.
A left hook to the body by Williams is the final punch of the frame.
Joshua vs Franklin LIVE
Williams vs Wilson-Bent – Round 1
Southpaw Williams gets out on the front foot, walking down Wilson-Bent.
The American catches Wilson-Bent with a decent counter left hook as his opponent looks to roll under a straight punch.
Wilson-Bent soon hits the deck but courtesty of a stumble rather than a knockdown. He’s back on his feet and is again being pressured by Williams.
Wilson-Bent manages a flurry of body hooks in close, before seeing a right hook to the head blocked.
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