Anthony Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, defeated Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision on Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London to resume his winning ways.
While controlling the fight against the tough American, the 33-year-old British-Nigerian heavyweight did not have the spectacular early finish that many anticipated and that was predicted by betting sites.
The judges scored the match 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 for the two-time champion.
Franklin bravely took all of Joshua’s punches while standing his ground, giving the British-Nigerian the victory with his uppercuts, which dealt the most damage.
At the final bell, when the two competitors faced off, tensions erupted, forcing the security personnel to separate their teams and bring them into the ring.
After losing two fights in a row against Oleksandr Usyk, this is Joshua’s first victory in more than two years.
“Winning was vital. Someone else from Britain will likely knock Jermaine out because of his effective duck-and-dive fighting technique, according to Joshua.
I admire him; he did well. While it is finished, I should have knocked him out. The next is now. Instead of giving in, he is here to prove himself. I wish I had been able to knock him out.
Since becoming a professional in 2013, Joshua has won 25 fights, with 22 stoppages, and lost only three.
Franklin, 29, has lost twice, most recently to British wrestler Dillian Whyte in November.
