The expected decision to show Anthony Joshua's fight with Jermaine Franklin on pay-per-view TV has been branded a "disgrace" by fans.
Joshua has not fought since losing to Oleksandr Usyk last August, but will finally return when he faces American heavyweight Franklin on April 1. The British star remains one of the biggest draws in the heavyweight division, but will need a significant rebuild to return to world title contention.
The Briton's promoter Eddie Hearn revealed this week the event is considered being placed on to streaming service DAZN's pay-per-view service. Fans have reacted angrily to the news with one writing: "If that's a PPV on a paid subscription, it's a disgrace." Another agreed: "Defo don't put it on PPV!
"AJ with no belts, dropped down the rankings, against a WBO #12 opponent who's there as a sensible comeback fight. No way does that warrant PPV." One fan joked: "We might pay for it. We might not. Watch this space."
One fan believes it could be detrimental, adding: "If he doesn’t want embarrassing PPV numbers, he should keep it just to DAZN members." Another wasn't surprised, writing: "Obviously it will be on PPV. That’s why DAZN signed AJ. Isn’t it?" A fan produced a more rational reasoning, adding: "Would be great if it wasn’t PPV, I doubt it’d flop in terms of viewers.
"Making it PPV just sets it up to be criticised - unless if the price is reduced to a reasonable rate. Any major boxing match that isn’t on PPV is a win regardless so fingers crossed." One final fan agreed, concluding: "Would be good to see but would be a shock. Maybe trying to get new subscribers but also there has been some backlash regarding the opponent even though not sure that's justified to be honest."
Do you think Anthony Joshua's fight with Jermaine Franklin should be on pay-per-view? Let us know in the comments section below
Joshua has yet to fight on DAZN's new pay-per-view service with his last fight bought by traditional broadcaster Sky Sports due to the separate television rights with Saudi Arabia. Franklin's last fight with Joshua's rival Dillian Whyte was not on the service's pay-per-view platform which saw him lose by a controversial narrow decision.
The Briton is currently in the US with expected new trainer Derrick James as fans await an eagerly anticipated return for Joshua. And Hearn believes those in boxing should only write off the former two-time champion at their peril. “The disrespect on this man’s name is unbelievable," he said on the DAZN Boxing Show.
"The people that want to downplay his achievements in the sport. You people who want to say he’s finished in the sport; get f***ing ready for the return of Anthony Joshua on April 1st. I’m telling you, he’s coming back with a vengeance. Write him off at your peril."
