Anthony Joshua's opponent underwent 23lb body transformation for showdown

01 April 2023 , 10:02

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Anthony Joshua's opponent underwent 23lb body transformation for showdown

Anthony Joshua's opponent Jermaine Franklin dropped 23lb for his meeting with the two-time heavyweight champion after suffering his defeat against Dillian Whyte back in November.

The American heavyweight was unbeaten before facing Whyte at the OVO Arena Wembley, and lost out to a very controversial split decision in the Brit's hometown. He was, however, rewarded for his performance by promoter Eddie Hearn who has handed him a golden opportunity at one of the sport's biggest stars in Joshua.

And he has taken the most care possible in his efforts to win the bout, changing up his diet and lifestyle to shed his belly in preparation for the contest. He claims that he didn't have much time to train for his meeting with Whyte, and with his lengthy camp has taken his training to a new level.

Jermaine Franklin has lost almost two stone (Getty Images)

“I stopped eating red meat and cut down on sugar and lost 22lbs,” the massive Michigan man revealed. “The things I miss most are probably ribs or steak. I used to love steak. I’d feel really bad – if I smell it I instantly get hungry! Once I win I will have a good pile of ribs and steak and I want to go and see the city a little bit, see Buckingham Palace."

Franklin's fitness journey has prepared him for an intense battle on Saturday night, with Joshua promising a devastating finish that will see the American bloodied. However, he has vowed to win by "any means necessary", and right the wrongs of his last trip to the United Kingdom.

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“In the beginning I was on a health journey," Franklin continued. "I changed my habits, changed stuff I was consuming and my body weight has just started falling off. I’m more ready, I’m more in shape and I’m ready to let the fireworks go. I will get the win by any means possible.

"But if I can put him on his a***, that’s what I’m going to do. Anything is possible. I come from a place where there are not a lot of possibilities and I made it this far so anything is possible. My passion for the sport, my team and my family; that’s all the motivation I need. I believe my hands get raised at the end of the fight.”

Donagh Corby