Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face American Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 Arena on April 1.
Joshua is returning to the ring after two successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, with the British fighter’s most recent loss against the Ukrainian coming last August in Saudi Arabia.
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The 33-year-old takes on Franklin in search of his first victory since beating Kubrat Pulev in 2020 in what will be his first fight without at least one world title on the line in just under seven years.
Reigning WBC champion Tyson Fury held talks with Joshua’s camp over an all-British bout but no deal was reached, leaving Franklin as the first opponent on Joshua’s comeback trail.
Joshua, a two-time world champion, confirmed the contest in a tweet which contained a poster for the fight and read: “A new dawn.”
The Brit is looking forward to finally getting back in the ring as he looks to “put on a show” for the fans and rebuild his career.
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring,” Joshua said.
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“Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards.
“Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”
Joshua’s decision to take on the American means Australian heavyweight star Demsey McKean, who was heavily tipped to be Joshua’s next opponent, missed out.
The 33-year-old was ringside in November when Franklin lost to Dillian Whyte at Wembley Arena, the first defeat of the American’s 22-fight career.
There had been speculation prior to Joshua’s split-decision defeat against Usyk last year that the former Olympic champion might be set to quit boxing.
However, the third loss of Joshua’s career has not brought the curtain down and he will return to fight at the O2 Arena for the first time since 2016.
