Elite Heavyweight: In a hard-fought points loss to Anthony Joshua, Jermaine Franklin demonstrated his “potential to be an elite heavyweight,” according to his promoter Dmitriy Salita.
In a unanimous decision loss at The O2 on Saturday night, the American challenger resisted Joshua’s blows and cut the former undisputed heavyweight champion’s nose.
Franklin also lost to Dillian Whyte on points in November, but Salita thinks the 29-year-old has proven that he belongs with the best in the division by coming out on top in both contests.
“Jermaine put up two world-class performances,” Salita told Sky Sports.
“This night, Jermaine demonstrated his potential to be a top heavyweight in the category.
“Jermaine will develop, and I think he has the skills to be the heavyweight world champion.”
After the final bell, Joshua hit Franklin in the head with his glove, setting off a heated argument with the Michigan man’s training staff. Salita expressed his adoration for the British star.
Salita replied, “Much respect for Joshua; he is a class act.”
“I am aware that he carried the world’s weight on his shoulders last night, but he performed admirably and put himself in contention for the division’s marquee matches.”
Joshua’s most recent stoppage loss was in December 2020 to Kubrat Pulev, and the 33-year-old revealed his displeasure at not being able to overcome Franklin’s resistance.
“The ultimate goal of the fight is a knockout, so I’m not satisfied, deep down, deep down,” stated Joshua at the post-fight press conference. “The knockout is the best kind of fight there is.
“There were chances available. Situations where I actively pursued a KO. But you know what else, the opponent I’m up against had a successful training camp and came in with a plan to win. When he last played [against Whyte], you saw him. He did well to remain inside.
“Since everything in that ring is about me, I can’t hold Franklin responsible for anything that occurs. If I didn’t want Franklin to hold me accountable, I had to move my feet and make room because I had to accept responsibility.
“It is entirely up to me, and if I had made room, I would have been able to secure the knockout, so it is not his fault. Me alone am I.”
He reflected on his altercation with Franklin after the battle and said: “Really, it’s just a brawl. Someone wants to win the battle you’re in.”
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