NEWS: ANTHONY JOSHUA USING 'POSITIVES & NEGATIVES' TO FUEL JERMAINE FRANKLIN PREP

By: Jay Calderon 

After weeks of speculation, it has finally been announced that former world Heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua will be returning April 1 against American Jermaine Franklin, in London's 02 Arena.

Coming off the back of two decision losses to world champion Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua is looking to rebuild. Now, having teamed with highly-touted American trainer Derrick James, Joshua is looking to take his career in a new, more focused direction.

"Throughout my career, this is probably the most serious time I've taken it," Joshua said at the kick-off press conference for Joshua-Franklin. "Everything I've been through, positive, negative I'm using it to fuel this camp."

One interesting note for Joshua is that he's taking himself out of his comfort zone, training with James in his gym in Texas, away from any potential distractions.

While Franklin is a fighter Joshua should beat if he's got much left as a top-flight fighter, the once-beaten Michigan native should be a good test for the former champion.

If he's struggling to a fringe contender, Joshua's occupancy at the top might have met its expiration date.

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