- Briton wins unanimous decision at the O2 Arena
- Joshua forced to go 12 rounds against 29-year-old American
Anthony Joshua won his first fight in more than two years with a comprehensive points victory over a brave and resilient Jermaine Franklin. The gritty American disappointed Joshua’s supporters, who had been hoping for a sensational win by knockout, by lasting the full 12 rounds late on Saturday night.
All three judges scored the fight in Joshua’s favour by accurately decisive margins of 117-111, twice, and 118-111. Despite Franklin’s innate toughness, Joshua had expected to win the fight in far more thrilling style. Instead he landed the overwhelming majority of telling blows but could not force a stoppage.