TONY BELLEW was involved a post-fight altercation with a member of Jermaine Franklin’s team moments after the American’s clash with Anthony Joshua.
Franklin suffered a points defeat to the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, who turned in a less-than-impressive display at The O2.
REUTERSAnthony Joshua returned to the win column against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday night[/caption]
ReutersBoth men had to be held back from trading blows after the bell[/caption]
CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUNTony Bellew nearly found himself embroiled in a scuffle with a member of Team Bellew[/caption]
CHISANGA MALATA / THE SUNThe former WBC cruiserweight champ cut a frustrated figure after the incident[/caption]
AJ nearly came to blows with Franklin after the final bell but was held back by the ref AS Franklin was restrained by a member of his team.
But former WBC cruiserweight king Bellew almost found himself trading blows with a Team Franklin member.
Thankfully no blows were thrown as Bellew was dragged away from the epicentre of the ruckus.
Bellew cut an angry figure as he walked away from the scene of the incident, which was just as lively as the fight itself.
Victory over Franklin saw Joshua snap a two-fight losing streak, which was inflicted on him by pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
In his post-fight interview, he said: “Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic so I’m calm.
“I appreciate every single person coming out this evening.
“Inside this squared circle, it’s a different type of energy in here so I apologise to anybody watching and seeing that type of stuff because we’re sportsmen.”
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Despite being frustrated with Franklin’s roughhouse tactics, Joshua insists he has the utmost respect for the 989 Assassin.
He continued: “I respect Jermaine, I respect everyone here tonight.
“Eddie, thank you for this opportunity, fans and people watching at home, thank you as well.”
When asked who he’d like to fight next, including a potential fight with Tyson Fury, he said: “You know me, I like to provide for the fans.
“I know who the fans want. Who do the fans want?They said Fury?
“The ball is in his court, I will 100 per cent be honoured to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.
“I stand here and say that proudly, it would be an honour, so wherever you are if you’re listening.
“You know my management, you know my promoter.
“We’ve had dialect before, so let’s continue this and hopefully we can get this on sooner rather than later.
“We ain’t getting any younger.”