'The worst time to face me': Anthony Joshua laughs off Jermaine Franklin threat

Former heavyweight champion returns to ring in London on Saturday

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn stands between Anthony Joshua, left, and Jermaine Franklin as they face off during a press conference at the Nobu Hotel, in London on March 29, 2023. PA

Anthony Joshua has laughed off Jermaine Franklin’s threat of a knockout on Saturday and insisted this is the “worst time” to face him.

The former heavyweight champion will make his long-awaited return to the ring this weekend in London but, for the first time since 2015, no world title is on the line.

Joshua is looking to bounce back following consecutive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk and he faced his American opponent on Wednesday at a press conference.

“It is the worst time to face me,” Joshua said. “The more he talks, the bigger grave he digs for himself but it is what it is. I could say a lot of things about him but I respect my opponent.

“It is not for me to talk, it is for you to do all the talking and for me to do my job on Saturday. That is really honestly what I am focused on from round one to round 12.

“I am prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability, my counter-punching and all that type of stuff to definitely put a dent in Jermaine.

“But I am not here to talk, I am here to do what I have to do because I really want to win.”

Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) has changed trainers ahead of this fight, with Robert Garcia ditched in favour of Derrick James, who housed the Briton at his World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas over the winter.

Anthony Joshua takes part in a press conference in London. PA

While the two-time heavyweight champion has 22 knockouts on his record, he was adamant entertaining his home crowd was not a motivation ahead of Saturday’s clash in London.

He instead insisted it was simply great to be back in the ring after watching rivals Tyson Fury and Usyk recently fail to arrange a unification clash.

“In terms of entertaining, we don’t play boxing, but at the same time people from years back and the empires, they love people coming together and fighting,” the Finchley boxer added.

“There will be entertainment regardless. I think we will see blood and I just really look forward to getting in there again.

“I’m so happy I’m fighting again because when you look at the champions now, it is just a shambles when you are trying to compete with mandatories and negotiations.

“Honestly I can’t believe no fights have been made at championship level.

Anthony Joshua looks angry after losing against Oleksandr Usyk in their world heavyweight bout on a split decision at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August. Getty

Oleksandr Usyk after retaining his world heavyweight titles in a split decision against Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PA

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images

Oleksandr Usyk after winning in Jeddah. PA

Oleksandr Usyk reacts after his victory. PA

Anthony Joshua speaks to the crowd following his defeat against Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah. Getty

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk touch gloves at the end of the fight. PA

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with his belts and his team. Getty

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after retaining his world heavyweight titles. PA

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the flag of Ukraine. Getty

Oleksandr Usyk after winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images

Oleksandr Usyk after winning his fight against Anthony Joshua. Action Images

Anthony Joshua on the front foot against Oleksandr Usyk. PA

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk trade punches. Getty

Anthony Joshua evades a right. Getty

Oleksandr Usyk after receiving a low blow. Action Images

Oleksandr Usyk lands a right on Anthony Joshua. Getty

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk in action at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah. PA

The ring is cleaned between rounds. Reuters

Anthony Joshua evades a punch from Oleksandr Usyk. Getty

Anthony Joshua with a body shot. Action Images

Oleksandr Usyk throws a right. Action Images

Oleksandr Usyk in action against Anthony Joshua. Action Images

Anthony Joshua made a low-key entrance at King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah. Getty

Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn before the fight. PA

“I am so happy I can get back to work, get on with my job and I am looking forward to this assignment. I can’t wait honestly. I am really looking forward to it.”

Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs) lost narrowly to Dillian Whyte at Wembley Arena in November but juggled preparing for that fight with work commitments and promised a better version to walk out at the O2 on Saturday.

He said: “In the beginning I was on a health journey, changed my habits, changed stuff I was consuming and my body weight has just started falling off.

“I’m more ready, I’m more in shape and I’m ready to let the fireworks go.

“I will get the win by any means possible, but if I can put him on his a***, that’s what I’m going to do.

“Anything is possible. I come from a place where there are not a lot of possibilities and I made it this far so anything is possible.”