ANTHONY JOSHUA SAYS HE HAS PUT HIS ‘HEART BACK’ INTO BOXING

Anthony Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, claims he is still in good shape as he shoots for his first victory since 2020 after recommitting “his heart” to the sport.

The British boxer, who has lost his last two battles against Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine, will take on Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at London’s O2 Arena.

Joshua’s most recent victory was over Kubrat Pulev in December 2020, whereas American Franklin had previously defeated Rodney Moore and Pavel Sour before falling short in a close contest against Dillian White at Wembley Arena in November.

Despite competing 27 times professionally, Joshua, 33, claims he still feels “fresh and young.”

The fighter claimed, “I adapted to specific fights so I didn’t take crazy punishment so at this level of my career I don’t think… I’ve taken so much punishment’ or I’m war-torn.” “I feel young right now.

This is a prize-fighting sport, and I like making money. My focus on the task at hand is questioned by some.

“So many fighters work out daily, but when you put your heart into it, it is different. I had to get rid of some distractions and things in my life to put my heart back into the game.”

Derrick James, Joshua’s new coach, is training him in Texas, where he has moved.

Despite the relocation, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist acknowledges he hasn’t had time to settle down while he gets ready for the Franklin fight.

Because I’m a serious person, I’m not there for anything else, Joshua declared. This is perhaps the most seriously I have taken something throughout my career.