Anthony Joshua makes bold decision for make-or-break London comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin
ANTHONY JOSHUA has picked gloves designed especially for knockouts for his return.
AJ is about to make his comeback against Jermaine Franklin at The O2 tonight.
Defeat tonight, which would be a third-straight loss, could spell the end of Joshua’s time between the ropes.
The Brit has weighed in at a career high of 18st 3lbs for the bout.
And the bulked up boxer appears to be determined to make it a knockout performance after a Matchroom video online revealed the gloves he had chosen.
Joshua could be seen picking horse hay Everlast MX gloves, known as punchers gloves that are made for KOs.
One fan commented: “I’ve never seen AJ wearing Everlast Gloves before.
“Everlast Gloves are known as punchers gloves. We have a brutal KO effort coming from Joshua.”
While another added: “First time that AJ will be wearing Everlast. Good Luck.”
As another wrote: “Joshua going for the punchers glove, hasn’t fought in Everlasts for a long time.”
BETTING SPECIAL – ODDS AND OFFERS FOR JOSHUA vs FRANKLIN
Meanwhile, fans were left stunned earlier tonight when Franklin was spotted arriving at The O2 on the London underground.
Most fighters headlining the North Greenwich dome normally get a five-star ride to the hallowed arena.
But not Franklin, who opted to hop on the Jubilee line with fight fans for the biggest bout of his career.
Boxing fans will have no doubt been stunned by Franklin getting the tube to the arena – although they’ll be even more aghast if the Michigan mauler shocks the world and hands AJ a third consecutive loss.
But Franklin insists the former two-time heavyweight champ should continue fighting if he loses.
He said: “A lot of people are painting the picture that if AJ loses this might be the end of his career and if I win this might project my career.
“I don’t buy that if I beat him he has to retire because if I say that it means I’m a bum.
“The world is saying that basically if AJ loses to a guy like me then he’s done but I don’t feel like that’s true.
“AJ can still beat a lot of guys, I just feel confident enough that I can win. I feel like the world is still sleeping on me.”
Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout