Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) overcame the challenge of Jermain Franklin (21-2, 14 KOs) via twelve round unanimous decision at the O2 Arena on London.

Joshua under the guidance of new trainer Derrick James utilised a jab to keep Franklin from getting into range. It was a rather lacklustre display with holding the pattern of the fight. Scores were 118-111, 117-111, 117-111.

“I would have liked a knockout, but it’s important to get the win,” Joshua told DAZN in the ring after the fight.

“I know who the fans want. Who do the fans want?” Joshua asked in his ring interview, to which the crowded responded was a near-unanimous shout of “Fury!”

Joshua added: “The ball is in his court. I would be 100% be honored to fight for the WBC world heavyweight championship of the world. I stand here and I say it proudly.

“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 and later.”

Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) got a fourth round stoppage over Michael Polite-Coffie (13-4, 10 KOs) in a bout for the vacant WBA Continental title.