Anthony Joshua is ‘closer to an agreement’ to fight Jermaine Franklin, with the American model’s group hoping to end the fight ‘as soon as possible.’
Franklin is the preferred opponent for Joshua’s next heavyweight fight, which is expected to take place at The O2 in London on April 1.
Dmitriy Salita, Franklin’s promoter, has confirmed to Sky Sports that negotiations are ‘going well’ and he is hopeful of reaching a final deal for the Joshua fight.
Jermaine Franklin could return to Britain after the November fight with Dillian Whyte
“Jermaine is the world’s richest man from Michigan in America, who is going to bring great success home,” said Salita.
“We are confident that this partnership will be completed in order to help Jermaine achieve his lifelong dream.”
Franklin made his UK debut in November, receiving credit for a shock decision loss to Dillian Whyte, which was the first loss in his 22-year history.
Australian Demsey McKean was also on Joshua’s list
Australia’s Demsey McKean and Sweden’s Otto Wallin, southpaw contenders, had been linked with Joshua.
But the British star appears to have opted for the 6ft 2in tall, ultra-Orthodox fighter type of Franklin, following back-to-back losses to southpaw Oleksandr Usyk.
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Tyson Fury says he is “ready to rock” against Oleksandr Usyk and believes the fight will take place ‘in the next few months’
Joshua’s second world title reign was ended by a unanimous decision defeat to Usyk in September 2021, while the Ukrainian retained his WBA, IBF and WBO belts and won a decision in their rematch last August.
Talks have reached a fever pitch that Usyk will share the ring with WBC king Tyson Fury in the next few months.
