Anthony Joshua ‘agrees all terms’ for next fight as he returns to ring in April

On Feb 3, 2023

Anthony Joshua has reportedly agreed terms on his return to the ring against Jermaine Franklin in April.

Former world heavyweight champion Joshua, 33, has not fought since suffering successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the last coming in August 2022 in Saudi Arabia.

But he will be hoping to get his career back on track when he faces off against Franklin at the O2 Arena in London on April 1.

Franklin, 29, lost his last bout against Dillian Whyte – who is in line for a rematch against Joshua himself – with the fight officially set to be announced next week.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the fight will take place and dismissed the idea that Franklin is an easy opponent, with White and the likes of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury targets further down the line.

“It’s a really tough fight with loads of pressure to come back because if AJ doesn’t win this fight, then we’ve got a major problem,” Hearn said.

“I believe you’ll see a statement from a guy who is very dangerous, very motivated to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“The same people that say Jermaine Franklin beat Dillian Whyte but he’s a terrible opponent for Anthony Joshua, in a comeback fight after two defeats to the pound-for-pound number one. What this guy has done from a resume perspective is unbelievable.”

Dillian Whyte took on Jermaine Franklin in November
(Image: Getty Images)

Joshua has now lost three of his last five fights with his career hanging in the balance ahead of his bout against Franklin. He has now changed trainers and is set to work with Derrick James in the USA, eyeing his first victory since beating Kubrat Pulev in 2020.

Hearn has previously suggested Joshua is facing a three-fight schedule for 2023 with Franklin the first task at hand, before a possible showdown with long-term rival Whyte in the summer.

Wilder is a target further down the line and an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury continues to be mooted but any slim chance of that going ahead rests on a victory for Joshua in April.