Joshua began negotiating a fight with Franklin

Ex-world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has started negotiations for a fight with American Jermaine Franklin. Franklin's promoter Dmytro Salita reported on previous contacts and is waiting for an official offer from the British team.

"Yes, Jermaine is excited to once again show British boxing fans that he is the best American heavyweight in the world. As you saw in the fight with Wyatt, Jermaine is not afraid of a big name, even if it is thousands of miles from home.

"His mindset is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Beat Joshua, beat White in a rematch and fight the winner of the Fury vs. Usyk fight,” the promoter said.

In his last bout, Franklin lost by decision to former WBC "interim" world heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte. In August, Joshua lost by split decision to Ukrainian boxer, WBA/WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua is expected to hold his next fight in London on April 1.