Eddie Hearn, promoter for former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, was satisfied with his boxer’s performance against Jermaine Franklin.
Joshua picked up a twelve round unanimous decision over Franklin at the O2 Arena in London.
There were many observers who expected Joshua to secure his victory inside the distance.
Fighting for the first time with new head trainer Derrick James of the United States, the British star was primarily boxing behind the jab and took few risks in the fight.
Joshua was returning after suffering back to back decision losses to unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk. A loss to Franklin could have spelled the end of his career.
Hearn was pleased to see Joshua get the rounds in the bank and utilize his abilities as a boxer.
“It was a good twelve rounds under Derrick James, everyone wants him to be a bit more aggressive in the fight,” Hearn said. “Franklin is a tough style for him. We knew that, took some good shots as well.
“I thought he closed the fight very well, started throwing more punches and especially combinations as well. There was a huge amount of pressure tonight, coming off those two defeats. The career is on the line.
“Everyone expects him to steamroll Franklin, he’s a good fighter. I’m pleased that he got the twelve rounds. I think people will be up for fighting him as well. They will think that he’s showing a few signs of weakness still. I thought he took some good shots, I thought his defense was good. I would like to see him be a bit more aggressive in there, but with what was on the line, very happy to be back in the summer with another big fight.”
The next bout for Joshua could come against former foe Dillian Whyte. Back in 2015, Joshua stopped Whyte in the seventh round of a grudge match.