Joshua apologizes for post-bout altercation with Franklin team
In his post-fight press conference, Joshua was quizzed further on the incident, explaining the two had been exchanging words throughout the fight
Nigeria born former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua apologised for the chaotic scenes that followed his victory over Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Joshua sealed an unanimous decision win at the O2 Arena on Saturday night with Franklin taking him the distance in a contest that lacked the dramatic finish many expected.
The fireworks came after the bell with Joshua and Franklin continuing the scrap with security forced to jump into the ring to help separate the pair with members of both teams also involved.
Joshua appeared to tap Franklin on the back of his head with his glove after the fight, prompting the chaos. One member of Franklin’s team lunged over the ropes towards Joshua as things continued to spill over.
Mike Costello, on commentary for DAZN, noted Tony Bellew, also part of the broadcasting team on the night, was involved in an altercation with a member of Franklin’s team.
Footage obtained by The Sun shows Bellew walking away from ringside surrounded by security with members of team Franklin shouting at him from the ring.
After the drama had subsided, Joshua explained: ‘Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic. So I’m calm,” Joshua told DAZN, in reference to the emotional outburst that followed his defeat to Usyk in Saudi Arabia last summer.
‘I appreciate every single person coming out this evening. Inside this squared circle, it’s a different type of energy in here.
‘I apologise to anyone watching and seeing that type of stuff because we’re sportsmen. But I respect Jermaine, and I respect everyone here tonight.’
In his post-fight press conference, Joshua was quizzed further on the incident, explaining the two had been exchanging words throughout the fight.
‘Honestly, it is just a fight,’ Joshua said.
‘You are fighting someone who wants to win. Round-by-round we were talking to each other. There is a bit of ego and pride happening in that ring and it just spills over until that final bell.
‘That is all it is really, it is all respect but at the same time it is a fight. When you are in that squared circle it is a different type of energy.’
