Anthony Joshua won again, but only after a labored performance in a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin.
The Briton had lost three of his previous five fights, including two to Oleksandr Usyk, but he won for the first time since 2020 after the judges scored the London bout 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 in favor of the home favourite.
Joshua landed his left jab frequently and caught Franklin on several occasions with his powerful right, but the American heavyweight held firm.
The 12th round appeared to end eight seconds early before Joshua pushed his head into Franklin, prompting an angry reaction from Lorenzo Adams, the United States boxer’s strength and conditioning coach, who pushed the Finchley fighter.
It was quickly resolved, and Joshua’s hand was raised once more to earn his 25th professional victory and keep his hopes of a Battle of Britain with WBC champion Tyson Fury alive.
STILL GOING AT IT AFTER THE BELL 🤯#JoshuaFranklin LIVE on DAZN now pic.twitter.com/9XZhGx6r2c
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 1, 2023