Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin betting tips:
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7-12
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7
Jermaine Franklin to Win by KO/TKO
Not that long ago Anthony Joshua was the glittering heavyweight champ selling out stadiums, now he’s facing mediocre American Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in Greenwich with tickets still available and not even a silver intercontinental trinket on the line.
Saturday, April 1 – 10:30pm
TV: DAZN
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7-12
For the first time in 12 contests – almost seven years – Joshua will be in a fight without a world title attached. The Watford man has lost on three of his last five outings, and he hasn’t actually won a fight since 2020. The basic stats are bleak but there is reason to be optimistic.
We need to be honest about AJ’s rematch with Usyk – yes, he lost, but he didn’t fall short by far against one of pound-for-pound best in the sport – one fairly well respected judge even gave Joshua the decision in August last year. Usyk is an unbelievable technician, and he’s a quick, tough southpaw – losing to him is no disgrace.
Franklin lost to Dillian Whyte in November, and again it was close, but this version of Whyte is no world-beater. Other than Dillian, the man from Michigan hasn’t got another top 50 heavyweight on his ledger, but he did manage to notch up 21 wins in 21 bouts before he faced the Londoner.
This is a good scrap for both men – AJ has an opponent he should knock out in spectacular fashion, while Franklin has the opportunity of a lifetime to propel himself to stardom. Josh is a massive favourite to win by KO, and with a KO ratio of 82% and seven stoppage wins from the 10 bouts before Usyk, you can see why.
Unless Joshua’s confidence is completely shot he’s rightfully a huge frontrunner, and I think he will actually take confidence from the way he performed against the Ukrainian last year. Anthony hasn’t knocked out someone before round 7 since 2016, and there’s a very tempting Power Price for Joshua to win in rounds 7-12 at the O2.
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7
The other factor that could have an impact is that Josh has changed camps. He’s upped sticks and gone to America to seek the mentorship of acclaimed trainer Derrick James. The US coach has overseen Errol Spence and the Charlo twins’ rise to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, and he’s known for producing clever boxer-punchers.
The move to Texas takes Joshua out of his comfort zone and away from where he’s the star of the show. Previously AJ had changed trainers but brought the trainer to him rather than immersing himself in a new camp – and the move this winter has been applauded by the critics.
Changing things at this stage of Joshua’s career could be an issue but it’s much more likely to be a boost, however nothing much is likely to have changed in only one camp. AJ’s favourite round to finish his business is round 7 – he stopped Alexander Povetkin, Dominic Breazeale and Whyte in that round – and the seventh is a good bet again here.
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Jermaine Franklin KO/TKO
Now, a bit of a swivel I know, but hear me out!
Franklin isn’t a bum – he’s got decent combos, he has a good ring IQ, and he has a pretty tight defence. In terms of size, he matches up pretty well with former Joshua-conqueror Andy Ruiz – although reports are that he’s stayed away from the fast food and chomping at the bit for AJ.
The American also has the benefit of having familiarised himself with London just four months ago – of course AJ has home advantage, but that could mean pressure too.
When Ruiz beat Joshua the only big name on his record was Joseph Parker, and he lost by mixed decision – the same way Franklin lost to Whyte. I don’t think Franklin quite has the hand speed of Ruiz but his KO ratio of around 60% is very similar.
If you want some big odds there are some great specials in the #WhatOddsPaddy section, but there is a massive price just staring us in the face – Franklin by KO is worth a punt!
Joshua v Franklin tips:
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7-12
Anthony Joshua to Win in Round 7
Jermaine Franklin to Win by KO/TKO
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Read More
- Punch in your knockout boxing betting tips at Paddy Power News
- Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin fight date, ring-walk time and undercard
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