Former heavyweight champion Joshua to return to ring in April to face Franklin
Britain's former twice world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (33) will make his ring return in London on April 1 against American Jermaine Franklin (29), promoters Matchroom and DAZN said on Monday.
The fight at the 02 Arena will be the first time in nearly seven years that Joshua has fought without a world title at stake.
The Briton has not fought since his second straight loss to Ukraine's WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion Oleksandr Usyk (36) in a title rematch in Saudi Arabia last August.
"Mentally and physically I feel ready," said Joshua, who has a new trainer in Derrick James for the fight against his opponent.
Franklin, who has a 21-1 record with 14 knockouts and whose first defeat was on points to Britain's Dillian Whyte (34) at Wembley Arena last November, said Joshua had "had his time".