The first thing you notice about Anthony Joshua is he looks happy. Not comfortable. Joshua hates media events, Wednesday’s press conference to promote his matchup with Jermaine Franklin on Saturday included.
“It’s entertainment,” Joshua said. “I prefer normal stuff.” But he’s happy. Flanked by his new trainer, Derrick James, Joshua smiled repeatedly during the half hour he was onstage. Of his fight with Franklin, Joshua said, “We’re ready to rock and roll.”
It's notable, if only because against Franklin, the stakes couldn’t be higher. In boxing, rhetoric can be hyperbolic. Must win is a phrase repeatedly written. But Joshua (24–3) is riding a two-fight losing streak and has dropped three of his past five bouts. He has not trusted his chin since he was knocked out by Andy Ruiz in 2019. Maybe longer. Must win is fitting. Even Joshua admits a loss could force him to retire.
