Anthony Joshua told to ‘get rid of Jermaine Franklin early’ and ‘call out’ Tyson Fury for mega fight

Lewis OldhamLewis Oldham31 March 2023
Anthony Joshua (right) and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua (right) and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshua has been told that he needs to “win in style” against Jermaine Franklin and then “call out” Tyson Fury.

The two-time world heavyweight champion returns to the ring this weekend. He faces Franklin - who was beaten on points by Dillian Whyte last year - at the O2 Arena in London.

This is Joshua's first fight since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last August at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Some are calling for Joshua to save the heavyweight division after the proposed fight between Fury and Usyk fell through.

Fury is now without an opponent ahead of the summer, while Usyk is likely to face WBA mandatory Daniel Dubois.
Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton thinks Joshua needs to make a statement on Saturday night before trying to tempt Fury into a fight.

'Anthony Joshua has to not only beat Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, he has to win in style,' Frampton wrote for BBC Sport.

'A points win is not good enough. I want to see him get rid of Franklin early, stand in the ring and call out Tyson Fury.
'Fury-Joshua is still huge. A massive fight not just for British boxing but also on a global stage.
'A loss, and I think that's the end for Joshua. Where does he go from there?
'But I don't think that will happen. This is a fight where Joshua can get the confidence back a bit. After consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, that's what the big man desperately needs.'
Frampton also thinks Joshua may feel that a bout against Fury will be 'easier' than the Usyk fight.
'Fury's in a position now where a lot of people are blaming him for that fight not happening,' Frampton added.
'A few months ago he was being lauded and is now facing a lot of criticism because of the antics and things he said around the proposed Usyk fight, and even previous to that.

'Imagine if Fury now faces another Dillian Whyte or Derek Chisora-type opponent, nobody wants to see that.

'I'm not saying a win against Franklin will automatically set up the Fury fight, but I would love to see a stern, clear call-out - 'I want Tyson Fury next'.
'Fury might also be in a position now where he feels like he has to take that fight. He may feel AJ is an easier fight than the Usyk fight, which quite possibly it is.
'I think it could all work in AJ's favour. It could also be a chance for both Britons to get people back on side as well'

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin fight verdict and suggested bets