ONCE hailed as the saviour of British boxing, Anthony Joshua returns this weekend with an equally formidable task: resuscitating the heavyweight division.

In a month when the two current heavyweight champions refused to face one another over money, AJ can rekindle fight fans’ adulation for the glamour division with a clinical KO of Jermaine Franklin at the O2.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s failure to get a fight agreed has left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth. Opportunity knocks for Joshua, 33, to turn back the clock and create a viral moment capable of picking boxing up off the floor.

RESPECT

After capturing the attention of the nation winning gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Joshua revitalised the UK’s love for boxing, generating huge gates, TV audiences and selling out football stadiums.

🔙 BOXING VAULT: JOSHUA V MARTIN 🔐

👑 4 years ago today, @anthonyfjoshua became heavyweight champion of the world. pic.twitter.com/wUY2Yo1dn4

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 9, 2020

His rise to the top of the heavyweight division was swift and conclusive. Battering the hapless Charles Martin in his 15^th fight at this weekend’s venue, he would then unify three of the belts whilst becoming a Box Office behemoth.

Losing on his US debut even allowed him to bounce back six months later and become a two-time champion. But his star has been dimmed after back-to-back losses to Usyk in the last 18 months also removed his champion status.

REBUILD

Saturday’s non-title main event against American Franklin is part of a rebuilding process AJ’s team are insisting upon. The 29-year-old from Michigan holds a 21-1 record, but isn’t ranked in the top 15 by any of the governing bodies.

Matchroom are promoting Franklin as an adequate opponent on the strength of his performance against Dillian Whyte in November, when he lost a contentious points decision.

In reality, this fight should prove to be a mismatch. Joshua (24-3) remains one of the top five heavyweights on the planet and showed real improvement in his second fight with Usyk.

After jumping from one trainer to the next in recent fights, he also appears to have found a trusted lieutenant in American Derrick James, whose other champions are known for their aggressive, power-punching performances.

But perhaps most important – psychologically – is the fact AJ’s no longer the champion. He no longer carries the weight of the crown. That pressure has been lifted somewhat and he’s going back to where it all began, the O2, to start over.

RESTORED

Joshua has never been extended past seven rounds at the old Millennium Dome arena, and he should be eager to extend that stat on Saturday night.

Franklin is short and heavy with fast hands, similar to Mexican Andy Ruiz who handed AJ his first career defeat. But unlike Ruiz he’s also very static, lacks real power and has questionable stamina.

A switched on, motivated and hungry AJ sizes Franklin up in the opening rounds before delivering the type of sharp, accurate punches that got fans so excited during his ascent.

TIP: Joshua via knockout, rounds 4-6

Fancy having a punt but wondering how to bet on boxing? Check out our knockout guide, here.

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