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Time with Fury inspires AJ challenger Franklin
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George Sessions
Press Association
Jermaine Franklin is ready to collide with Anthony Joshua on Saturday night
Jermaine Franklin is ready to collide with Anthony Joshua on Saturday night

Jermaine Franklin is drawing inspiration from Tyson Fury ahead of facing Anthony Joshua on Saturday. 

The American heavyweight, 29, is back in London four months after suffering a narrow points loss to Dillian Whyte at Wembley Arena. 

Franklin spent time in the gym with WBC world champion Fury before fighting Whyte and is enjoying rubbing shoulders with the best in the division. 

Ahead of the bout with AJ at The O2, he said: "Yeah, it was a huge inspiration just being around Fury. 

"Training in the gym with him, I was inspired. But I am not a hard person to inspire. It only takes a little bit. 

"It doesn't take much for me to feel motivated. I just honoured my time with him for the couple of weeks.

"I am starting to love it in London. I have been here twice now, got a lot of love, people out here have shown me a lot of support."

Despite the frustration of his defeat to home fighter Whyte, Franklin is adamant there was no hesitation over returning to the UK. 

Anthony Joshua is expected to blast his way past Jermaine Franklin
Anthony Joshua is expected to blast his way past Jermaine Franklin

That loss was the first loss of his eight-year pro career but Joshua will face a different "warrior" with his opponent boasting a six-pack after losing 28lb and returning to boxing full-time. 

Ahead of his bout with Whyte last November, Franklin was juggling full-time work with the sweet science. 

He said with a smile: "I was working at this factory making commercial roofing. We did maintenance to make sure the machines were running properly. 

"Now I am a full-time athlete again, so I'm just working out, staying in the gym and staying ready. 

"Every fight brings me closer to trying to be a world champion. I take them all as life-changing. I don't take one kindly or softly. I look at them all as do-or-die."

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