This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.With many restrictions still on work and travel, it has become imminently clear that the short-term solutions we found in 2020 will need to evolve into long-term structural changes in the practice of internationalisation. ![]() “He makes more sacrifices and commitments than any athlete I’ve seen, and he’s my mate. ![]() “Of course his star has fallen,” Hearn said, “but he’s a man who, in my opinion, is an elite heavyweight - top-three heavyweight in the world - and I’m sorry if that’s such a crime. I’ve got to fight at the end of the day.”Īll the pressure, instead, will be on the 33-year-old Joshua while he is at the crossroads of a career that started with an Olympic gold medal in 2012, and includes that era-defining fight with Wladimir Klitschko in 2017. “I don’t want to put him under any pressure, though. “He is the truth, you know,” Joshua said of James, who he seems to regard as a permanent trainer. in his stable, in a training camp held exclusively in Dallas during which the Brit says he has dedicated himself solely to boxing and avoided distractions. Joshua has been with James, who also has Errol Spence Jr. Joshua has another trainer - a third different one in as many fights - for the Franklin bout, with Derrick James in his corner. “I’m a promoter, I’m hyping the fight, but I am nervous,” Hearn said. It all hinges on beating Franklin, an American who lost for the first time in his 22-fight professional career in a majority decision against Dillian White in London in November. “I’m going to be flexible, keep a flexible mindset, be open-minded,” said Joshua, who spoke of wanting his world titles back within “12-16 months.” With the heavyweight division in flux after the collapse of Fury-Usyk, that title shot could yet come much quicker. “This is what I’ve signed up for, this is what I want, and I’m going to live up to the expectation,” Joshua told the AP.Īfter the second loss to Usyk, Hearn spoke of Joshua likely having three or four fights in 2023 to build him back up for a shot at being world champion for a third time. at Madison Square Garden in June 2019.Įven Hearn would struggle to sell Joshua as a credible heavyweight force in that case. It would be three straight losses - or four in six fights taking in the shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. Lose to Franklin, though, in a fight being televised by the DAZN streaming service, and Joshua’s career will be hanging in the balance. Win, and Joshua - with his brand and standing - will no doubt be thrust back in the conversation for world title fights.Įddie Hearn, his promoter, was even tweeting excitedly on Thursday about a potential all-British fight with Fury next up followed by, somewhat optimistically, a fight to be undisputed champion. It’s the first time in 13 fights, stretching back to December 2015, that Joshua won’t be attempting to either retain or regain a world title. On April 1, Joshua takes on American boxer Jermaine Franklin in London for his first fight since losing the rematch against Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August. ![]() The pressure, however, is still very much on him. ![]() So, while the biggest heavyweight fights are being made - or, in the case of the collapsed bout between Usyk and Tyson Fury, not made - around him, Joshua is adapting to his new status and beginning a fresh phase in his career. Business & Finance Click to expand menu.
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