Joshua throws the first punch of the round but maintains patience and holds the centre of the ring. Franklin tried to land a right hook but fails to catch AJ.
Franklin is quicker than he was against Whyte and he’s dodging Joshua’s jabs well. But a patient Joshua bids his time and appears to have a lot of power behind his punches.
Franklin fought behind a very high guard against Whyte but has dropped his hands much lower against AJ. He’s protecting his body much more compared to November 2022.
A sense of jeopardy, the tension is real, less chants now as Franklin bounces, squatting low and looking to project dangerous counters.
Joshua even absorbs a short left, a reminder that he cannot walk through his opponent. But that’s a bright and confident start for the former champion.
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