Anthony Joshua vs. Jermaine Franklin | DAZN - 1 April 2023

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Anthony Joshua Says Distractions Outside Ring Making Boxing Career Complicated

"I was supposed to be in the ring this year. I'm going to be in the ring next year. I'll be in the ring when I'm in the ring. I don't want to make any statements today and get held to the cross by it,” Joshua said in an interview on DAZN during the broadcast of the card headlined by Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Ramirez.

“So when I'm ready, I'll get back in the ring. You know what it is? I ain't champion and it's just hurting a lot. I'm in the gym rebuilding and restructuring everything I got to do inside and outside of the ring. There's a lot that goes on outside of the ring in my life which makes my ring life complicated. So I just need to simplify a lot of stuff outside of the ring and then just put my full attention in the ring, really. Once I have that done, next year I'll be ready.”

“My life is complicated. Boxing has become a bit complicated for me. Everyone is just trying to make the most of this time while I'm boxing and they are doing a good job. But it does affect my ring activity as well,” said Joshua. “So I just always trying to push all of that stuff away. It's a challenge. I'm just trying to get it out of the way this year so that next year I feel more focused.”

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Joshua sounds like he's messed up.

It reminds me of George Foreman who admitted to being depressed after losing his title to Muhammad Ali.

Apart from a farcical exhibition in '75, Big George disappeared for well over a year after his setback.

Maybe Joshua just needs to step away for a while and recalibrate.

Then again, in the case of Foreman, he was never quite the same again and promptly retired for a decade.

Who knows how Joshua will be affected in the long-term?

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Whyte said he'd take a paycut.

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[Wee Tommy]

Sums boxing up. Fuckin jokers.


You never ever see UFC fighters take ‘tune ups’ and the whole concept doesn’t make any sense. It’s merely an easy payday before a tough fight. It’s the same as this Tank vs Garcia nonsense.

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Sums boxing up. Fuckin jokers.


You never ever see UFC fighters take ‘tune ups’ and the whole concept doesn’t make any sense. It’s merely an easy payday before a tough fight. It’s the same as this Tank vs Garcia nonsense.

They just never learn.

Whyte looks past his best to me, so taking so-called tune-ups might be risky for him, particularly a guy like Dillian who never really looks for easy knock-overs.

[Wee Tommy]

Sums boxing up. Fuckin jokers.


You never ever see UFC fighters take ‘tune ups’ and the whole concept doesn’t make any sense. It’s merely an easy payday before a tough fight. It’s the same as this Tank vs Garcia nonsense.

They just never learn.

Whyte looks past his best to me, so taking so-called tune-ups might be risky for him, particularly a guy like Dillian who never really looks for easy knock-overs.

I dont give a shite what’s risky for him. He’s a boxer he’s paid by us fans to fight. These fuckers just want easy money and who has to pay, the fans.

Whytes always been shit, he’s a tune up himself for anyone decent.

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Tune ups, smune ups, this is about money. Dillian needs a strong win to sell the fight. It doesn't sell anywhere near as well if his previous fight was last night. 'You're only as good as your last fight' and all that.

[coneye]

Guess Chisoras gonna be busy then

[BigDoofus]

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Hearn Said Franklin a a favourite.

I’m sure he’ll take this over a Whyte rematch as there will be more money.

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Guess Chisoras gonna be busy then

Chisora seems to be the go-to guy when the big dogs need a tune-up, or those with something to prove use to show that they're ready for the big-time.

[keithmoonhangover]

Hearn Said Franklin a a favourite.

I’m sure he’ll take this over a Whyte rematch as there will be more money.

Franklin is the right fight for AJ IMO.

[keithmoonhangover]

Some people are saying AJ doesn't need a tune up. If I was a boxer, I wouldn't want you guys as my manager. When Tyson lost to Buster, he came back against Tillman. When Klitschko got taken out my Sanders, he got Moli next. Holyfield got Alex Stewart for the second time. There is no reason that Joshua shouldn't get a confidence booster.

[tiny_acres]

Some people are saying AJ doesn't need a tune up. If I was a boxer, I wouldn't want you guys as my manager. When Tyson lost to Buster, he came back against Tillman. When Klitschko got taken out my Sanders, he got Moli next. Holyfield got Alex Stewart for the second time. There is no reason that Joshua shouldn't get a confidence booster.

I don't mind a tune up. Just not a complete joke of a fight. Franklin or Wallin would be about what I would expect.
There is also the possibility that Joshua just wants the biggest money fights in case he knows he is done. Then I expect either Fury or Wilder next

[Wee Tommy]

Some people are saying AJ doesn't need a tune up. If I was a boxer, I wouldn't want you guys as my manager. When Tyson lost to Buster, he came back against Tillman. When Klitschko got taken out my Sanders, he got Moli next. Holyfield got Alex Stewart for the second time. There is no reason that Joshua shouldn't get a confidence booster.

Keith, he’s a professional fighter and has been for years. A tune up isn’t even something that makes sense. He can’t beat up people in the gym, who are far beneath his level? He should get paid for such an outing, tantamount to bullying? It’s a joke mate, played on paying boxing fans. Fury Chisora is a fine example.

It’s a phrase been used to con the paying public for years. Do other combat sportsmen engage in this? Or do they get ready for competition in the gym and take on those of similar levels in bouts?

[Coco]

Wilder would be great.

Styles make fights, AJ struggles more against elusive fighters and he won't have to go looking for Wilder.

Nevertheless AJ will be there to be hit too, I see a shoot out and an early night.

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In other news

[mickey1975]

Dev is good on twitter.

[Wee Tommy]

In other news

Fûck Teddy Atlas. He’s ruined far more fighters than he’s helped. Lying narcissistic prick.

[tiny_acres]

In other news

Joshua has had a team of yes men around him since day one. I don't know how he would handle someone saying anything negative to him from his own team

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[wrighty]

Nathan Gorman lol

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Venue, date, but no opponent just 4 months out?

That probably means Dereck Chisora gets wheeled out again.