EDDIE HEARN has admitted if Anthony Joshua does not beat Jermaine Franklin in his return fight, they face a major problem.
AJ is coming off consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk and is set to come back on April 1 at the O2 Arena.
Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnPA
Both Joshua and Franklin have agreed terms to the fight, but promoter Hearn insisted neither have officially signed despite ongoing talks.
An announcement is due to come this week, which will mark AJ’s must-win comeback bout.
Hearn told BBC Sport: “There’s a lot of pressure to come back. Because if AJ don’t win that fight, then we’ve got a major problem.”
Joshua, 33, has linked up with new trainer Derrick James in Texas following double defeat by Usyk, 36.
He watched from ringside in November as Dillian Whyte, 34, edged past Franklin, 29, in a disputed decision win.
It has set up the pair of amateur rivals-turned professional opponents for a summer stadium rematch.
But first AJ returns back at the O2 for the first time in seven years as Hearn warned to expect a throwback performance.
He said: “I’m telling you now this guy is still a top three heavyweight in the world capable of regaining his world heavyweight title on April the 1st at the O2 Arena , probably against Jermaine Franklin.
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“You will see the return of Anthony Joshua. Honestly I believe you will see a statement from a guy who is very dangerous, very motivated to become a three-time heavyweight champion.”
Joshua has faced criticism for returning against Franklin, but Hearn hit back: “Tyson Fury has just beat Deontay Wilder, just beat Dillian Whyte and then fought Derek Chisora.
“Anthony Joshua’s got defeat to Usyk, defeat to Usyk, and fighting Jermaine Franklin who many feel beat Dillian Whyte.
“I mean, it’s a really tough fight.”
Dillian Whyte narrowly beat Jermaine FranklinMATCHROOM BOXING