Former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring in April after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in his last fight via points decision. The event is set to take place at the 02 Arena.
Joshua has been set to fight an American fighter called Jermaine Franklin, who recently fought Dillian Whyte and lost via points.
“It’s a really tough fight with loads of pressure to come back because if AJ doesn’t win this fight, then we’ve got a major problem,” said Hearn.
“I believe you’ll see a statement from a guy who is very dangerous, very motivated to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.”
Anthony Joshua lost his last two fights to Usyk for the belts that he had been trying to collect over the years.
Franklin was unbeaten before losing to Whyte and was unhappy with the scoring of that fight, feeling he won the contest.
“There’s so much contradiction: ‘Anthony Joshua is finished, mentally he’s shot, but he’ll knock out Jermaine Franklin inside three rounds,'” Hearn told 5 Live Boxing in New York.
“The same people that say Jermaine Franklin beat Dillian Whyte but he’s a terrible opponent for Anthony Joshua, in a comeback fight after two defeats to the pound-for-pound number one.
“What this guy has done from a resume perspective is unbelievable.
“And I’m telling you now, this guy – still top-three heavyweight, capable of regaining his heavyweight world title.”
Anthony Joshua will be hoping to come back to the sport and earn his way back up the heavyweight ladder to try and collect the belts once again.
Joshua has been on route to get the undisputed championship and has said he will continue this.
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Banner and Image Credit: Huw Fairclough
