The fight was anticipated to determine Joshua’s future in boxing, and he had pledged to retire from the sport if he lost. In a unanimous points decision, three judges scored the bout 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111 in Joshua’s favour.
This was Joshua’s first fight since losing to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch in August of last year.
Although he didn’t deliver a knockout blow against Franklin, Joshua now holds a record of 25 wins in 27 fights.
Speaking to DAZN after the fight, he said, “It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”