Anthony Joshua returned to the ring for the first time since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022 and returned straight away into winning ways as he defeated American Jermaine Franklin in London by a unanimous decision to secure victory with the judges scoring it 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 in favor of Joshua after 12-rounds.
The former two-time world champion apologized for the altercation before the fight and also wished he KO'd the American in his post-fight interview. He said: "Last time I grabbed the mic it was a bit chaotic, I'm calm, I appreciate every single person, Inside this square circle it's a different energy so I apologize for people seeing that."
"He's here to prove himself, he's not here to roll over, I wish I could have knocked him out but in 15-years nobody will remember that fight anyway."
Joshua also went further to assure everyone of his return in the summer and welcomed a fight with Fury; "Yes you will see me in the summer for sure. I try and provide for the fans, I know who the fans want - Who do the fans want? They said Fury, yeah? The ball is in his court, I will be honored to compete for the WBC Championship of the world."
"Wherever you are, if you're listening you know my manager, you know where we are. We aren't getting any younger. I can't wait to get the next big fight."