Anthony Joshua’s next opponent could be heavyweight who lost to Dillian Whyte

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    Anthony Joshua’s hunt for a comeback opponent on April 1 has turned to Jermaine Franklin.

    The American has emerged as one of the contenders in the mix to face the British heavyweight at the O2 in London. There has yet to be a decision made or a deal struck but Franklin is one of the front runners among a group of fighters who are in contention.

    Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is busy plotting his man’s return and Franklin is on the list as a potential opponent. That may come as a surprise considering the American’s last outing ended in defeat by Dillian Whyte.

    READ MORE: Eddie Hearn makes "all over" Anthony Joshua admission ahead of Brit's comeback fight

    Franklin, 29, lost his unbeaten record to Joshua’s rival in a closely-contested battle back in November. But now he could return to these shores for a much bigger bout with Joshua.

    The Watford Warrior is preparing to make a return after back-to-back defeats by Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn has booked the O2 for the return which will be the first time that Joshua has fought in an indoor arena in the UK since he beat Eric Molina in Manchester back in 2016.

    It will also be his first fight broadcast on streaming channel DAZN in the UK after he ended his relationship with Sky Sports last year. Australian Demsey McKean has been linked as another potential opponent but he is not expected to be picked to face Joshua.

    Who do you think Anthony Joshua should fight next? Have your say in the comments section below

    The Brit is set to travel to the US to prepare for the fight with an announcement due in the coming days on his new trainer. American coach Derrick James is the front runner to take over as his head trainer.

    Earlier this week, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn admits the Brit will be finished if he loses in his next fight. “You go into that fight in April – you know that with defeat, it’s all over, really. It would be a third back-to-back defeat," Hearn told iFL TV.

    "This is the most excited I have been on AJ's journey so far because it is exciting. A great performance and a showreel knockout gets everyone saying, ‘We’re back, we’re back baby.’

    “That’s what I can’t wait for, because I love it when our backs are against the wall. They are the best moments and this is one of those moments."

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