BoxRec

On the face of it for Joshua it looks like a comeback fight against a willing opponent.
But is it ?
From being on the top of the Heavyweight division AJ has lost his swagger in the ring.
Looks a bit more square in his boxing abilities and less flexible.
Upset possible here ?

The smart money would say that this is a victory for Joshua but at the same time it wouldn't be the first time that a fat man beat Joshua either if it did happen. I'm of the opinion it's going to take more than one fight for Joshua to gain back his credibility with not only boxing fans but with himself cuz he has to know that this was one of the easier options that could have been taken.

If it was me I would have him face a number of different challengers just like Lennox Lewis did after losing to Oliver McCall. If the man wants to have an honest shot at regaining the title again he's got to rebuild himself mentally and emotionally with a mixed bag of confidence builders and genuine tests.

The guy just lost 8-4 to Usyk the way people are talking you would think he just got knocked out by Dave Allen.

people are always so hysterical with aj, i remember after ruiz beat him so many people on the 'he's finished/ruin/mentally destroyed' train

like, unified world champ and olympic gold medalist lost 1 f@cking fight! andy could barely touch him in the rematch

I can't imagine Franklin posing any kinda threat to AJ or any Top 10 Heavyweight.

Not like Joshua has been on steady legs.

It isn't risky.

Any fight can be risky.

The ones we don't think even can be.

Upsets happen.

No, I don't think so. Franklin's a nice technician but doesn't really have the equaliser of say, a Whyte left hook. AJ should look reasonably good against him. Not a gimme by any means but I can't see him losing, even if it's a close fight, no way it goes Franklin's way.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 02:23 I can't imagine Franklin posing any kinda threat to AJ or any Top 10 Heavyweight.

Franklin should have had the decision against Whyte. I think this is a perfect fight return for Joshua. Wallin after then on for a title fight.

emallini wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 01:05 The guy just lost 8-4 to Usyk the way people are talking you would think he just got knocked out by Dave Allen.

Exactly, he looked very good in there at times too, he's still a top HW.

willardx wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 12:28

gilgamesh wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 02:23 I can't imagine Franklin posing any kinda threat to AJ or any Top 10 Heavyweight.

Franklin should have had the decision against Whyte. I think this is a perfect fight return for Joshua. Wallin after then on for a title fight.

I imagine it'll be White at Wembley in the summer, be a big money fight that and then a step up to the top again

gilgamesh wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 02:23 I can't imagine Franklin posing any kinda threat to AJ or any Top 10 Heavyweight.

Pretty much
I still think it's actually too low a level for AJ.

KiwiRider wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 15:23

gilgamesh wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 02:23 I can't imagine Franklin posing any kinda threat to AJ or any Top 10 Heavyweight.

Pretty much
I still think it's actually too low a level for AJ.

Coming off 2 losses. There's no such thing as too low a level. He needs a win. Any win.

It's risky in the fact it's lose-lose for Joshua. If he blasts Franklin out everyone will say 'that's what he was meant to do', if he loses or even struggles then it's over for him really.

It's really good matchmaking imo.
Just enough of 'can't write him off completely' about it to make it a good watch.
AJ should win a decent scrap with a bit of style, if he doesn't it's over anyway.

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 01:54 like, unified world champ and olympic gold medalist lost 1 f@cking fight!

Well, 3 fights at this point. Including one loss to a dude who I don't think was top 10 at the time.

So, without a doubt, it's possible for him to lose again to someone who's rated below himself.

Lackeos wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 23:47

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑11 Feb 2023, 01:54 like, unified world champ and olympic gold medalist lost 1 f@cking fight!

Well, 3 fights at this point. Including one loss to a dude who I don't think was top 10 at the time.

So, without a doubt, it's possible for him to lose again to someone who's rated below himself.

my post was referring to the reaction when he lost to ruiz, 1 loss at that time

his 2 losses after were to a great fighter and he improved in the rematch despite losing clearly

No.
He woll obliterate him

Jeff_lacy_ko wrote: ↑12 Feb 2023, 22:55 No.
He woll obliterate him

He might do that. Franklin rated #30 at Box Rec. He is better than who Joshua has beaten recently and Joshua may be in the decline. Joshua last win was over a 39 year old Pulev and that was a few years ago. So heck yes it's risky for him. Joshua is not that good anymore.

pound per pound wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 12:05

Jeff_lacy_ko wrote: ↑12 Feb 2023, 22:55 No.
He woll obliterate him

He might do that. Franklin rated #30 at Box Rec. He is better than who Joshua has beaten recently and Joshua may be in the decline. Joshua last win was over a 39 year old Pulev and that was a few years ago. So heck yes it's risky for him. Joshua is not that good anymore.

Pulev beat Franklin's best win last year 9 rounds to 1 while Franklin edged a split decision a few years ago.

This is Joshua's worst opponent since Takam or Molina.

pound per pound wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 12:05

Jeff_lacy_ko wrote: ↑12 Feb 2023, 22:55 No.
He woll obliterate him

He might do that. Franklin rated #30 at Box Rec. He is better than who Joshua has beaten recently and Joshua may be in the decline. Joshua last win was over a 39 year old Pulev and that was a few years ago. So heck yes it's risky for him. Joshua is not that good anymore.

He was outboxed by usyk, the best fighter since mayweather retired. I think you are being hyperbolic

Took another look at Whyte v Franklin during the week.
It's an opportunity for Franklin is the Joshua fight.
Honest, he [Franklin] looked wide around the waist against Dillian Whyte.
Had a bit of pop and I can imagine if he went all out for a one off against Joshua he could pose a problem.
His stamina is ok too.
Has all the hallmarks of a Joshua win, carry him a few rounds and get a decision win or a stoppage of some kind.
The Heavyweight division needs Joshua for the big fights that are about to materialize.

AJ is still one of the best 4/5 hw's today. Franklin doesn't rate anywhere close. Any fight has it's risk, but I expect AJ to plow through Franklin. Good opponent for him to launch a comeback of sorts. No one has beaten Franklin up yet and AJ can make a somewhat of a statement if he destroys him, which he just might. Never a real AJ fan, but having him in the mix makes the division more interesting.

Haven't seen Franklin so can't really comment but going on records should be a convincing win?
AJ only lost to maybe the best p4p fighter in boxing, 8-4, hurting him as well.