See why Anthony Joshua decided not to get heavier for Jermaine Franklin fight
English professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua has a targeted weight for his return to the ring.
Joshua after back-to-back losses against Ukranian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk takes a new approach.
The former unified heavyweight boxing champion is set to return against American professional boxer Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua's preparation
The 34-year-old Joshua after the last defeat against Usyk had to restrategize.
He ditched Robert Garcia for another popular American superstar coach Derrick James.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist took a different approach by having his training camp in Dallas, Texas United States of America.
Joshua in an interview with DAZN explained the process of changing coaches for the second time in his career.
He said, “Derrick James is an ex-fighter, I feel like he knows how to get someone fight-ready, and he’s pushing me.”
“When you’re amongst other great fighters it does help. You cross each other’s path, but it does give you the motivation to see good and bad. It does breed success.”
Derrick James on working teaming up with Anthony Joshua
James who has worked with several top boxers such as Errol Spence and the Charlo brothers explained linking up with Joshua.
He said “His guy DK hit me up on Instagram. When I saw him I liked him, I liked the size of him.
"He’s a good fighter, he’s a good boxer, he has fast hands, very athletic.
“It’s all about getting him to understand who he really is, outside of the ring, and what his full potential really is.”
Anthony Joshua on weight for Franklin fight
Joshua was asked at the official pre-fight press conference about his weight coming into the clash against Franklin.
In the interview with DAZN, Joshua talks about his training process for the fight and avoiding building muscles.
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He added, "I don't want to be too robust where I'm building up such big muscles that I'm now becoming tense.
"I want to keep that flow that mobility because when I'm going to throw that hook, you want to feel loose.
"So I think this is a perfect weight, you don't need to go any heavier than this."
The ceremonial weight between Joshua and Franklin will take place on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Joshua takes on Franklin on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the 02 Arena in London.
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