While controlling the fight against the tough American, the 33-year-old British-Nigerian heavyweight did not have the spectacular early finish that many anticipated.
The judges scored the match 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 for Anthony Joshua the two-time champion.
Franklin bravely took all of Joshua’s punches while standing his ground, giving the British-Nigerian the victory with his uppercuts, which dealt the most damage.
At the final bell, when the two competitors faced off, tensions erupted, forcing the security personnel to separate their teams that entered the ring.
After losing two fights in a row against Oleksandr Usyk, this is Joshua’s first victory in more than two years.
“It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck-and-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out,” Joshua said.
“I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done on to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”
Anthony Joshua eventually defeated Jermaine Franklin by the majority on Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London, ending his two-year losing streak as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Since becoming a professional in 2013, Joshua has won 25 fights, with 22 stoppages, and lost only three.
You may also like to read this
^ Davido admits that he paid TG Omori N100M for the music video.
^ Nigeria Welcomes the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy.
