CARL FROCH has questioned Anthony Joshua’s motivation to continue boxing and cast doubt on whether he can reach the top again.
AJ returned the ring with a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin last night at The 02 Arena.
ReutersAnthony Joshua returned to the ring with a points victory over Jermaine Franklin[/caption]
AFPCarl Froch cast doubt over AJ’s motivations and whether he can return to the top[/caption]
After the bout, which included an X-rated tirade at the end of the first round before a post-match brawl almost erupted, he set his sights on a showdown with Tyson Fury.
However, after what many consider to be a below-par performance, Froch appeared to criticise Joshua.
And he asked whether money was enough to keep him motivated while saying that he had seen nothing in Joshua’s performance to suggest that he can return to the top of the heavyweight division.
Froch told BBC Radio 5Live: “In the ring at world title level he’s been there, done the business. And now I don’t know. What motivates him?
“We talked about it, he wants the money. I don’t understand why he’s fighting. I just don’t.
“It’s a dangerous sport. Money can’t be the motivation when you’ve earned over £100m.
“I’ve not seen anything in that performance that he wants to be a world champion again.”
Dillian Whyte, who is also eyeing up a rematch with AJ, also says that his rival should quit if his heart is no longer in it.
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The 34-year-old, who lost via technical knockout in December 2015 when he faced his fellow Brit the first time, said: “Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts.
“The ability is still there, the boxing is still there – he looks the part.
“But every time Franklin shaped up like he was going to hit him, he hesitated. I’ve never seen him like that, he’s a bit shell-shocked.
“The last few rounds Joshua was very hesitant.
“Signs of fighter who doesn’t want to do it anymore. If he doesn’t want to do it anymore, I think he should stop.”