‘The is a prizefighting sport’ – Anthony Joshua admits money is the motivation ahead of his comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin

Anthony Joshua admits that money is what’s motivating him ahead of his fight with Jermaine Franklin.

The former two-time unified heavyweight champion is hoping to get his career back on track by beating Franklin on April 1 after suffering consecutive defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.

Franklin put his undefeated 21-fight record on the line last time out against Dillian Whyte. The American ultimately lost by majority decision but came away from the fight with a ton of credit as some observers thought he did enough to claim an upset victory.

Joshua, who insists he is taking his upcoming fight at London’s O2 Arena extremely seriously, recently travelled to America and worked with different trainers before announcing that Derrick James will coach him moving forward.

James looks after unified WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight world champion, Errol Spence and undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super welterweight king, Jermell Charlo.

During the launch press conference for his fight with Franklin, ‘AJ’ was asked by boxing promoter Eddie Hearn what was motivating during this pivotal time in his career.

“Money,” Joshua said repeatedly before Hearn had even finished asking the question. “I like making money. Straight up. Like, this is a prizefighting sport.

“I’ve been broke. My family has been broke. I know what this s*** means and I do it because I’m good at it and I hustle hard.

“When it’s all said and done no-one will care about me no more. So, I’ve got to make the most of it while I’m here.”

According to Forbes, Joshua is already a very rich man and has amassed a £38 million fortune after becoming one of the biggest stars in boxing during his tens years as a professional.  

If he’s able to get back in the win column against Franklin, Joshua can look forward to potential fights with Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or even former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

All three would be extremely lucrative for the 33-year-old and would certainly allow him to live a life of luxury long after his boxing days are over.