Anthony Joshua edged out Jermaine Franklin by decision in a cagey affair in London.
Joshua was returning to the ring for the first time since losing his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last year, and a win was essential in order to get his heavyweight career back on track. Victory for 'AJ' would also set up potential clashes with the likes of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, and breathe new life into a world title challenge.
And it was indeed the Brit who had his hand raised but he was surprisingly taken the distance by the rugged American who refused to give the Briton an inch. The fight descended into chaos at the final bell with animosity between both teams, but Joshua reigned victorious with the scores of 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 in his favour.
