Anthony Joshua believes Jermaine Franklin is ‘digging himself a bigger grave’ every time the American says he will knock him out on Saturday night at the O2 Arena, live and exclusive at DAZN.com
The two came face-to-face at yesterday’s press conference and while Joshua comes into the fight on the back of two losses to Usyk, the Briton feels now is the worst time for anyone to be facing him, especially now he’s working with new trainer Derrick James.
“The goal is to take him out,” said Joshua. “The physical work is done, but it’s all about the knowledge and it’s about training the mind and Derrick is one of the best at that. I’m looking forward to showing him that he hasn’t wasted his time.
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“It’s the worst time to be facing me, and the more he talks about knocking me out the bigger the grave he is digging for himself, but it is what it is.
“I need to do my job on Saturday and that is what I am focused on. I am prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability to put a dent in Jermaine Franklin.”
A number of people are claiming Joshua is fighting a ‘soft touch’ in Franklin, but the 33-year-old believes that is so far from the truth.
“I don’t know where Jermaine is in the rankings but I have just come off two losses,” he added.
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“It’s crazy for me to get a soft touch. When you get them it builds up a false sense of confidence and when you get thrown into the real lions you aren’t going to be ready for it.
“I’m looking forward to a tough fight on Saturday because I feel like we are going to be set up for a bigger fight in the summer.”
Prior to the press conference Joshua admitted he would retire from boxing if he was to lose the fight on Saturday, live and exclusive at DAZN.com.
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Franklin, whose only loss in his 21 fights to date came on points to Dillian Whyte last time out, believes that’s a disrespectful comment and he’s keen to show the two-time World Champion what he brings to the table this weekend.
“I find it disrespectful from AJ that he said if I lose to this guy I retire,” said the American.
“I didn’t see the confidence in the face-off, I sense a little bit of worry, but I’m not going to say that’s because of me. They always overlook me. I’m comfortable and I feel no pressure.
“I’m always going to be the underdog. I fight better as the opposition gets better and I think I can knock anyone out, I have got that much confidence.
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“I'm going to get the win by any means possible, but if I can put him on his a** then that's what I'll do. I believe my hand will be raised at the end of the fight on Saturday.”
You can watch every Anthony Joshua fight, including Saturday’s against Jermaine Franklin live and exclusive on DAZN.com
Thomas Thorn