Boxing

Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin to be on BBC Radio 5 Live..

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British heavyweight Anthony Joshua's comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday, 1st April.

Joshua, 33, will be looking for his first win since 2020 following two consecutive defeats by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Jeanette Kwakye will present coverage of the fight at London's O2 Arena.

Live commentary of the bout will also be available on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.

Commentary will be led by Ronald McIntosh, who will be alongside Steve Bunce and Carl Froch to cover the bout.

Joshua will be fighting for the first time at the O2 Arena since 2016 against American Franklin, who recently lost to Dillian Whyte on points.

Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton says he is 'starting fresh' by training in Texas..

Ever since his heavyweight gold medal win at the 2012 Olympics, the spotlight has shone on Anthony Joshua.

After three defeats in his last five fights, the former world champion will return to the ring on Saturday, 1 April against American Jermaine Franklin.

The fight at London's O2 Arena is, quite aptly, billed as the 'New Dawn'.

"I'm starting fresh," says Joshua, who has won 24 fights and lost three.

The 33-year-old Joshua - who turned professional in 2013 - has a new team behind him, headed by coach Derrick James, and has based his training camp in Texas, USA.

Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew visited Joshua to discuss the Briton's second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August, his new team, new surroundings and to explore what trainer James can add to his game.

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Jermaine Franklin (right) has won 21 fights and lost one - a points defeat to Briton Dillian Whyte in November

Joshua made a blistering start to the professional ranks, winning a world title in just his 16th fight, with 16 knockouts.

With the world at his feet, Joshua suffered a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 . He won his IBF, WBA and WBO titles back in the rematch six months later, but was then dethroned once again - this time by Usyk in September 2021.

Joshua replaced coach Rob McCracken with Robert Garcia for the rematch with the Ukrainian, but was once again outpointed by Usyk.

Despite a better performance in the second fight, Joshua lost his temper moments after Usyk had been declared the winner - dropping two of the champion's belts over the top rope of the ring and then arguing with the opposing team.

"When I fought Usyk I felt like I let a lot of people down," says Joshua. People said, 'his mind ain't in it, where's his head at? His head's not in the game'.

"That's not the truth - my heart's in the game, fully. This is all I have, really."


James is Joshua's third trainer in as many fights. Up until the Usyk rematch, he had been trained by Briton McCracken.

Having split with Garcia after just one fight, one of Joshua's team contacted James on Instagram.

"When I saw him, I liked him," James says. "I liked his size. What I saw from him, initially, was he's a good fighter, he's a good boxer. Very fast hands, very athletic."

The coach is a former fighter who also trains world champions Errol Spence Jr and twins Jermall and Jermell Charlo.

"Derrick James is an ex-fighter himself. I feel he knows how to get someone fight ready and he's pushing me in that direction," Joshua adds.

"When you're among great fighters it helps. We're all training at different times because there's one Derrick James."

Texan James, 41, added: "We kind of cross each other's paths. It does give the motivation because you can see the good and the bad from a distance. Success breeds success. You put a dog with sheep, it'll become a sheep.

"I think that, for me, it's all about getting him to understand who he really is and how great he really is. What his full potential really is."

Joshua can 'relax and shut off' in Texas
Promoter Eddie Hearn has previously referenced the level of fame and scrutiny Joshua faces, and the impact that can have on his fighter's life.

Joshua also highlights how basing a training camp outside of the United Kingdom can relieve some of that pressure.

"It's been tough," he adds. "The expectation that's been on my back where it's like, 'represent this, stand up for that, smile this place, carry this baby and smile', that's why it hit me when I didn't win [against Usyk].

"Now I'm just saying I'm starting fresh. Training for example, when I'm at home doing ice baths, I'm able to relax and shut off.

"I remember [Saul] Canelo [Alvarez] said something, what made him successful was when he left the gym and was walking to the bus stop, he'll be thinking about what his coach taught him that day.

"He'll be overplaying it in his mind, shadow boxing and that's how he managed to get to the next level.

"When I leave the gym here, my mind is still on the job. It's not just about is your head in it? My heart is in it. It's not just about the dough, you have to love it. Because it's not normal."

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Carl Frampton column: Anthony Joshua needs to knock out Jermaine Franklin then call out Tyson Fury..

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Boxing analyst and former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton writes for BBC Sport about Briton Anthony Joshua's fight against Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.

Former world champion Joshua makes his return after losing his rematch with Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in August.

Can Joshua go back to winning ways or will American Franklin cause a huge upset?

Anthony Joshua has to not only beat Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, he has to win in style.

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.

This is the perfect type of fight for Joshua to come back to - an opponent who is credible enough. I actually thought Franklin beat Dillian Whyte in his last fight, although he didn't get the decision.

But in terms of a heavyweight boxer, he's got 22 fights with 14 knockouts. It's a nice ratio for a featherweight, but not necessarily for a heavyweight.

Linking up with Derrick James and basing his training camp in Texas is a good move for Joshua, and perhaps one he should have done before now.

Get away from the UK and from home comforts - have that camp mentality and not so many yes men around you.

Joshua is also in a gym full of good champions, with the Charlo brothers, Jermell and Jermall, and Errol Spence Jr. It's probably the first time in AJ's career he's not been the top dog in the gym.

He's got world champions there and it'll be good for him. He can feed off that.

If you look at the style of the Charlos and Spence, they're quite aggressive fighters. That's the coaching style that Derrick James has and that's what we need to see from AJ again.

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We have asked big names from the world of boxing for their opinions on the big fight.

Tyson Fury's coach SugarHill Steward: "In Jermaine Franklin's last fight, his biggest fight to date, he surprised everyone. He's right there in the mix. Very, very possibly a big upset. I just a good fight I hope. I want to be entertained, a good fight would be great. I know Franklin, he's from my home town. I know his trainer, we go way back. I'm expecting a good fight from that side. I'm also expecting a good fight from Anthony Joshua, who is being trained and handled by Derrick James. I know what Derrick brings to the table."

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn: "I'd say Joshua wins by stoppage inside seven rounds. I'm going for rounds four to six. It's been a while since we've seen an early AJ stoppage but I think you'll see one.

Unified light-middleweight champion Natasha Jonas: "AJ wins for me. I think he stops him in the middle rounds."

5 Live analyst Richie Woodhall: "I think this is brilliant matchmaking. Franklin is only 6ft 2in. He's fairly slow on his feet. I think this is the fight where Anthony Joshua can really shine. And really get in people's thinking again about being the best heavyweight in the world."

Olympic champion Lauren Price: "I'm going for an AJ stoppage. An explosive knockout would be good but he needs to win in style. It will be good for his confidence and in front of a home crowd."

Former featherweight champion Kid Galahad: "AJ knocks him out inside five round. He'll look sharp and devastating. I expect more focused work to the body under the stewardship of Derrick James."

Heavyweight Frazer Clarke: "I've done many rounds with AJ. I've seen the vicious side of him. Let me tell people this, when Anthony Joshua unloads on you with combinations in them 10 ounce gloves, I don't care who you are, you're gone. Usyk never give him the chance to do it, but I think Jermaine Franklin will give him plenty of opportunities. Therefore I can't see it going nowhere near the distance."

Super-featherweight Jordan Flynn, who will fight on the undercard: "It's not going to be a pushover. Franklin is a good fighter, he's going to come to win. But Joshua will be too much for him and will win within six. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets him out even earlier. He's just too sharp, too big, too strong and too clever."

WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie: "I see it being an AJ win. I think it could be a mid-round stoppage just for accumulation of heavy shots."

Featherweight Karriss Artingstall: "I'm predicting an AJ win. Not sure how he will do it, but he will just get the job done."

Boxing coach and former fighter Jamie Moore: "The first few rounds might be cagey. AJ will want to find his rhythm and settle down a bit. Let those nerves settle down. But once he finds his range, probably from round four, five or six, he'll land the big shots and get him out of there."

Former two-weight champion Carl Frampton: "I think AJ will stop him inside the first half of the fight. I'd love to see him stop him in the first quarter. Dominate him from the centre. Be a brute. If he has his confidence, he is a couple of levels above Franklin. He needs to go out and show that to the people."

Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton returns to winning ways with unanimous points win..

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Anthony Joshua returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena.

The British heavyweight, 33, controlled the contest against the durable American but it was not the explosive early finish many expected.

Two judges scored it 117-111 and one 118-111 to Joshua.

Tempers flared after the final bell as the two fighters squared up to each other, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security.

It is Joshua's first win in more than two years, having lost consecutive bouts to Oleksandr Usyk.

"It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck-and-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out," Joshua said.

"I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out."

Joshua has now won 25 fights, with 22 stoppages, and lost three since turning professional in 2013.

It is a second defeat for Franklin, 29, having lost to Briton Dillian Whyte in November.
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'The ball is in Fury's court'

Anthony Joshua beats Jermaine Franklin on points

Anthony Joshua to DAZN: "Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic. I'm calm; I appreciate everyone coming out this evening. Inside the ring, it is a different energy so I apologise to those watching. I respect Jermaine, Eddie [Hearn], thank you for this opportunity. Fans, thank you as well.

"It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out."

Joshua on what next: "I try and provide for the fans. I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury; the ball is in his court. I would be honoured to fight for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World. If he's listening, he knows my promoter; we've had dialogue before, so let's continue this. We ain't getting any younger."

Joshua on his third trainer in three fights and he still cannot throw a feint..Very average performance last night against a guy ranked 44 in the world

Amir Khan banned for two years after anti-doping test reveals presence of prohibited substance..

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British boxer Amir Khan has been banned for two years after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022.

The former light-welterweight world champion tested positive for ostarine.

Khan, who retired from boxing in May, accepted he broke anti-doping rules but said it was not intentional.

An independent tribunal accepted that argument, ruling out "deliberate or reckless conduct" by the 36-year-old.

"I've never cheated," Khan told Sky Sports News. "But I've got a two-year ban now, which is quite strange and funny because I'm already retired anyway.

"There's no comeback planned at all. But I've never cheated and I never will. That's just not something I would do."

Khan says he has "no idea" how the banned substance ended up in his system.

"I have to take some sort of responsibility. End of the day it's been found in my system. I can honestly say this is something I would never ever do [cheating].

"It was such a tiny amount, it was no benefit at all. I should have maybe taken more precautions.

"I don't want to remembered for something like this," he said. "That'll hurt me."

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Coral Barry, BBC Sport

Amir Khan is one of Great Britain's greatest boxers. His silver medal as a 17-year-old at the Athens Olympics in 2004 made him into a household name. He was a world champion, fought the best, from Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez to Terence Crawford, and his retirement fight against Kell Brook was a typically thrilling end to a storied career.

The Brook fight was 17 years in the making and a huge event that captured the attention of boxing and the wider sports world, despite it being well past its sell-by date. Both men were 35 when the fight happened and have since retired.

Ukad's announcement adds a different dimension to Khan's swansong.

Testing positive on fight night has become more and more unusual considering it is one of the few times a big boxing star can be guaranteed they will be tested.

Khan has been cleared of intentionally ingesting ostarine after a lengthy investigation, but strict liability carries a mandatory two-year ban regardless of intent.

Joe Joyce much lighter than Zhilei Zhang before heavyweight fight on Saturday..By Kal Sajad

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Briton Joe Joyce weighed 22lbs lighter than Zhilei Zhang for Saturday's heavyweight fight in London.

Joyce, 37, tipped the scales at 18st 4lbs (116kg), with China's Zhang weighing 19st 12lbs (126kg).

The Londoner is a stone lighter than his previous fight, when we he came in at a career heavy 19st 5lbs for the win over Joseph Parker in September.

"I don't know what's happened. It just seems to have fallen off," Joyce said on BT Sport.

"I've been disciplined. This is the business end of my career so I need to get things right."

Joyce - a 2016 Olympic silver medallist - has won all 15 of his professional fights, with 14 stoppages.

He will defend his WBO interim title at the Copper Box Arena, and is the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's full WBO world title.

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Joe Joyce v Zhilei Zhang: British heavyweight suffers first career loss in shock defeat..

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British heavyweight Joe Joyce's world-title ambitions were derailed as he suffered a sixth-round technical knockout loss to China's Zhilei Zhang at London's Copper Box Arena.

Joyce, 37, was staggered several times and had no answer to Zhang's power as he suffered his first pro loss.

The ringside doctor twice inspected Joyce's swollen eye before the referee halted the contest in the sixth.

"I'm just disappointed with my performance," Joyce told BT Sport.

"The right hand he kept hitting me with... I couldn't get out of the way, so respect to Zhang.

"I expected to win like I normally do. Thanks for all the support and congratulations."

Joyce, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist, was the mandatory challenger for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk's WBO title and was on the cusp of a world-title shot.

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'I'll be back'
Zhang beats Joyce

Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Joyce said: "I’m just disappointed with my performance. The right hand he kept hitting me with I couldn’t get out of that way so respect to Zhang, Big Bang.

"It was a good fight. I think I could have done better. I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long and credit to him because he’s a good fighter. I gave it my all. I think I could do better, but it’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do. Thanks for all the support and congratulations.

"A little bit more practise [is needed]. Zhang is a fellow silver medallist, he’s good fighter and hits hard. He’s an awkward style because he’s a southpaw and a powerful southpaw at that. I just couldn’t get away, I kept getting hit by his left hand. I’m disappointed. I’d like to apologise to all my fans and supporters. I’ll be back. My journey’s not over. This is just a hurdle I’ve tripped over. I’ll be back.

"Maybe it’s payback for Daniel Dubois’ eye? I got my eye done as well. Never mind. I’ll be back."

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Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr fined for unsavoury words before middleweight fight..

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Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr have been fined for their unsavoury words during the build-up to their middleweight bout earlier this year.

Eubank, 33, was the subject of homophobic taunts from Smith for much of the event and responded by deriding his opponent about his city of birth, Liverpool, and smeared his marriage.

The British Boxing Board of Control has found both men guilty of misconduct.

Their respective fines must be paid within 28 days.

A statement said: "Following full consideration of all facts placed before the stewards [of the British Board of Control], the stewards found that the misconduct charge was proven for both boxers."

"Mr Smith and Mr Eubank Jr were both fined, payment to be made within 28 days."

Eubank Jr triggered a rematch clause with Smith in February after losing in a fourth-round stoppage in Manchester the previous month.

Smith, 34, moved up in weight to face Eubank at middleweight, inflicting his rival's first defeat since 2018.

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