Anthony Joshua BEATS Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision

Until the ugly brawl which broke out after the final bell rang six seconds early it was as processional as May 6 will be for King Charles through the streets of London. But by remaining true to his promise to go back basics Joshua has come back into world heavyweight championship contention and hopefully en route to that forever awaited Big Brit Bash with Tyson Fury. Anthony Joshua defeated Jermaine Franklin on Saturday night to secure a first win since 2020 It was far from a vintage performance but AJ did win the fight with relative ease on Saturday So portentously had he been warned that defeat could spell retirement that he took few chances against an American whose capacity for taking the heavy blows when they came surpassed his boxing ability. Franklin showed off an impressive chin by lasting the full 12 rounds but didn't offer much threat Joshua then called out world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury as soon as the fight was over In this, his 28th, he found himself under question as to whether he would feel a need to quit if he lost. JEFF POWELL'S SCORECARD FROM RINGSIDE Round 1: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 2: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 3: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 4: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 5: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 6: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 7: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 8: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 9: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 10: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 11: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Round 12: Joshua 10-9 Franklin Total: Joshua 120-108 Franklin AJ was equally composed.