Anthony Joshua makes retirement promise ahead of Jermaine Franklin fight

English professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua has made a pledge on his continuation in boxing.

Joshua a former unified heavyweight champion of the world returns to action after a six month absence against American professional boxer Jermaine Franklin.

Joshua ahead of the fight spoke to the media about his continuation in boxing.

The 34-year-old goes into the fight against Franklin following back to back losses against Ukrainian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to the media, Joshua acknowledged the importance of a victory against Franklin.

Joshua also acknowledged that a defeat makes it a three fight losing streak and could force his retirement from the sport.

He said, "I will. I will retire if I lose. I'm not here to battle people. If people want me to retire, I will retire.

“I'm not going to fight if people don't want me too. It's not even about the money. It's about the competitor in you.

"That's what's important. It comes with the business, and it comes with the territory, I know that.

"I know when I am retired, I am gonna be chilling. You lot put so much pressure on me so when I am done, the chains are going to be gone. I am going to be laughing and loving life."

Joshua lost the IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO boxing heavyweight titles against Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium back in 2021.

In the rematch, Joshua was unable to reclaim the belts from Usyk at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A victory for Joshua against Franklin will help his cause to become a three-time heavyweight boxing champion.

Joshua takes on Franklin at the 02 Arena in London on Saturday, April 1, 2023.