Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua secured a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena, putting an end to his losing streak.
Despite expectations for an explosive early finish, Joshua dominated the contest, showcasing his control over the American.
The judges scored the fight 117-111 and 118-111 in favor of Joshua, indicating a clear victory. However, the post-fight tension rose when the two fighters squared up to each other, leading to their teams entering the ring and being separated by security.
This win marked Joshua’s first in over two years, as he had lost consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
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“No knockout, so no good. It is a brutal sport, but knockouts are everything. I’m not too happy,” Joshua told 5 Live Boxing.
“I could have thrown more shots, and I should have, no excuses. But I will. That is part of coming back; you have to be your own biggest critic.”
He also called out fellow Briton and WBC champion Tyson Fury, saying: “I try and provide for the fans. I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury – the ball is in his court.”
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.
