Franklin Pros: gave Whyte a very competitive fight over 12 rounds in Britain (many thought he won or drew), had only completed 4 rounds in the previous 3+ years (more active and experienced now), boxed since he was 13 Cons: 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' McKean Pros: handed Rice his 2nd and hitherto final stoppage loss, 22-0, disciplined, 6'6, southpaw Cons: 50-50 with a 30 lbs overweight Rice going into the 10th round, controversial decision against Leutele, no experience as the B-side, never fought remotely near AJ's level, never had a 12 rounder, boxed since he was in his early 20's Both have sparred AJ. I get the feeling that Franklin is tougher and more skilled and thus more likely to further dent AJ's confidence and make him look bad by going the distance but McKean is slightly more dangerous as a harder punching lanky southpaw.
Franklin bout is a complete mismatch, no chance at winning at all. McKean is big, strong, might land a haymaker early and make it dramatic, but will probably be on his back by the 3rd round. Very slim chance of winning. Neither of them belong in the ring with AJ Im still hoping for Big Bang Zhang, Wallin, Ortiz, Hrgovic or Dillian straight away
Franklin beat Whyte who is the fourth best HW in the world (being better than Wilder, who ducked him for years). Whyte KO'd gold medallist and WBA champ Povetkin and Lucas Browne, who beat a gold medallist for the WBA strap. Whyte has one of the best resumes at HW. McKean is a young, undefeated giant with a whole nation behind him, being avoided by basically everyone. Both big challenges, but fights AJ can win. Why not fight them both, one in April, one in September?
McKean would be a tougher opponent as Joshua would not be able to rely on his towering height as McKean is as tall as him...