Eddie Hearn Doesn’t Think Anthony Joshua vs. Jermaine Franklin Is A ‘Straightforward’ Fight As Many Think

Eddie Hearn doesn’t think Anthony Joshua vs. Jermaine Franklin is a tune-up fight as many think.

Joshua is set to return to the ring on April 1 against Franklin in a crucial fight for the former heavyweight champ. He has lost two in a row and needs to win to remain in title contender, and many think Joshua will win with ease, but his promoter says he is nervous about the fight. As well, he thinks this is a much harder fight than people seem to think.

“AJ’s looking good but I’m nervous. People are saying this is a straightforward fight for Anthony Joshua but it’s not at all. Let’s look at the facts, he’s coming off two defeats to the pound-for-pound No.1 Oleksandr Usyk but you saw the emotional side to AJ in the last performance and after the fight. Franklin is full of confidence coming off the Dillian Whyte fight and he looks all of a sudden about 20lbs lighter as well,” Hearn said (via BoxingScene).

“This is a big moment for Anthony Joshua’s career, people are talking about fights against Deontay Wilder, Whyte, Fury but he has to win on April 1,” Hearn continued. “Franklin is a good fighter who is going to come well equipped but AJ has worked himself hard out there in humble, humble surroundings. This is just him, Derrick James and Erroll Spence. Just hard work. I think this is the hardest he’s ever worked in camp and I really hope that he can produce the performance that he deserves on April 1 because I believe he’s still in his prime. But he has to beat Jermaine Franklin.”

Currently, Anthony Joshua is a -1200 favorite so the oddsmakers expect the Brit to win with ease. However, Eddie Hearn makes it clear this is not a tune-up fight and Joshua has to be on his A-game to win.

If Joshua does get his hand raised, he could face the winner of Fury-Usyk to get a chance at reclaiming his belt or face another big name. But, he needs to win on April 1 in order for any of that to happen.

Do you think Anthony Joshua beats Jermaine Franklin?