Anthony Joshua Puts Retirement On The Line In Comeback Bout Against Jermaine Franklin

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Joshua 

Anthony Joshua is set to return to the boxing ring for the first time since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. The 33-year-old will be facing Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, and he has admitted that he will retire from boxing if he loses the fight.

Joshua is seeking his first professional win since December 2020, and the pressure is on him to perform. Lawrence Okolie, who has sparred with Joshua before, believes that the former world champion can handle the pressure.

He has been in high-pressure situations for over 10 years now, and he is feeling strong, fit, and ready for the fight. Okolie expects Joshua to win in impressive fashion, although he does not expect him to necessarily get it done in one round.

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Joshua 

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson also expects Joshua to win against Franklin, but he believes that Joshua should retire if he loses.

Nelson thinks that Joshua has had to relook at his confidence after losing two fights on the bounce, and he has had to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer the best fighter in the world.

For Nelson, it is a hard mountain to climb, especially when you have had the success and the heights that Joshua has had.

He believes that Joshua cannot afford to lose this fight and that a loss would be a must for him to retire from boxing. However, if Joshua chooses to continue boxing, he will need to build up his confidence and climb his way back up to the top.

Joshua has spoken openly about the pressure that comes with boxing and how he will retire if people do not want him to fight anymore.

He has also expressed that the pressure comes with the territory, and he is used to it. For Joshua, it is not just about the money; it is about the competitor in him. After retiring, he plans to relax and enjoy life without any pressure.

Despite the pressure, Joshua is determined to win this fight and silence his critics. He is focused on training and preparing for the fight, and he is ready to give it his all.

Fans around the world will be watching as Joshua steps into the ring on Saturday, waiting to see if he can regain his former glory or if he will retire from boxing.

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Source: Sky Sports 

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