Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin reportedly agreed for April 1st

Franklin just fought Whyte in a fight many thought he won. I agree a rematch with Whyte would have been better but AJ already beat him, this is not as bad of a fight as you guys trying to make it sound. Let AJ have this fight and I’m sure he’ll fight someone more interesting next.

 

Franklin: failed to stop uber glass chinned Sour over 10 rounds, got a highly controversial SD against Forrest, is coming off his first loss and a decent payday (less hunger), undisciplined, 6', AJ sparring partner

Two of the judges had Whyte (a lesser A-side than AJ and one of his victims) winning 8-4 in a fight that most thought he lost or drew. So it's close to impossible that Franklin beats AJ on points. And judging from the Sour fights, Franklin carries far less punching power than Hughie, Gorman and Kabayel, so a Franklin stoppage win is extremely unlikely.

This fight is meant to increase AJ's confidence and "build" the Whyte rematch I guess. But it may just backfire if AJ fails to stop Franklin.

 

Whyte is trying to protect his vulnerable chin more now, which is limiting his offense. He's also aware that he'd get the decision by default against Franklin, which further limited his offense. Franklin turned out to be durable, had superior handspeed and did his best this time, so stylistically he was going to cause Whyte a lot of problems.

 

So Fury's allowed to fight Swarz and Wallin but AJ's not allowed to fight Franklin?

 

In general Wallin would have beaten any of AJ's opponents barring Usyk and Wlad, hence Whyte is still ducking him despite having home and A-side advantage.

 

Well this is exciting news...

 

I actually think that this is a dumb move from Eddie because if AJ does blast Franklin out of there it sort of down grades a potential AJ Whyte 2 as even the casuals will say Whyte struggled with this guy and AJ destroyed him. Eddie really needs to serve up a soft touch for Whyte like McKean let Whyte score a KO to get the juices flowing for the casuals to get pumped for AJ Whyte 2 later in the year.

 

Wallin would not have beaten Povetkin or Ruiz. It's debatable if he'd even beat Whyte.

Who has Wallin beat? Breazeale?

Wallin is over rated as ****.

 

If Anthony Joshua drops to 24-4 on April Fool's Day ...

 

It seems he needs to build confidence to fight Whyte again.
Franklin is better than Mckean, so there is that.

Personally, this is below Joshua's level, but Eddies in charge not AJ.

 

If AJ can't KO this guy in under 6 he needs to retire.

 

If Aj loses this fight it can't even be classified as an upset. We know he's a quitter

 

So Franklin is on a British world tour now, that's some good opportunities but he's not capitalizing by going above and beyond, that's why he lost to Whyte and why he's the opponent here. He'll challenge you moderately.

This does nothing for AJ, at least that other potential opponent they had lined up, had the height to prep him for the likes of Fury, Wilder, and others. At this point in his career everything AJ does should be strategic and useful otherwise he'll fall to gate keeper real quick.

 

He got up 4 times to take further punishment. The fight was lost and the referee stopped it. This joke is getting a bit old mate.