Anthony Joshua vs. Jermaine Franklin: Dillian Whyte analysis
Dillian Whyte says Anthony Joshua is showing ‘signs of a fighter who doesn’t want to do it anymore’ after British heavyweight victory on points against Jermaine Franklin SATURDAY.
Joshua, 33, took a unanimous decision at London’s O2 Arena in a fight that many have tipped him to win by stoppage.
“Joshua has lost all of his aggressive and killer instincts,” Whyte said.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Whyte added: “If he doesn’t want to do it anymore, I think he should stop.”
Two-time world champion Joshua won his first fight in over two years, after having consecutive fights lost to the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
British Whyte beat Franklin in a close points decision in November. Whyte – who also lost to rival Joshua in 2016 – added: “Every time Franklin got into shape like he was going to hit him, he was hesitant. I’ve never seen him like that, he’s a bit in shock Joshua controlled the majority of the fight but was unable to muster his combinations or find an opening against the durable Franklin.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, he said: “You land a jab and the fighter looks like he’s looking to leave, then you rush in for another jab and they’re not there. for taking.
“If I see a wounded animal, I will kill it. If it was the 13th round of 15 rounds, it would not have survived.” Mike Tyson has done 12 rounds with people like Pinklon Thomas and Tony Tucker, so what’s wrong if I do 12 rounds?”
“There are a lot of haters” – Joshua
Former super middleweight champion Carl Froch has questioned Joshua’s ability to regain a world title.
“In the ring at the world title level, he was there, did the business,” Froch said. “Now I don’t know. What motivates him? He wants the money. I don’t understand why he fights. I don’t know. It is a dangerous sport. Money can’t be the motivation when you’ve won over £100m. “I didn’t see anything in that performance that he wanted to be world champion again.”
Responding to criticism from other fighters, Joshua said: “All of these fighters are haters, pure haters. I don’t expect them to like me, I don’t like them either.
“There’s a lot of haters out there. They’re not my friends anyway.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said he expects 2012 Olympic gold medalist Joshua to fight again this summer and then later this year.
bbc
