Anthony Joshua, 33, has admitted he will retire from boxing on Saturday April 1, if he loses to Jermaine Franklin in his comeback fight at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London.
The former two-time world champion is making his return to the ring this weekend to face the American heavyweight after suffering successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua is looking to record his first professional win since December 2020 when he beat Kubrat Pulev via TKO.
He has also admitted he will step away from boxing if he loses a third successive bout, since many calling for him to hang up his gloves if he is beaten by Franklin.
When asked about the narrative surrounding his career and whether he will retire from boxing if he loses, AJ said: ‘I will. I will retire if I lose.
‘I’m not here to battle people. If people want me to retire I will retire. I’m not going to fight if people don’t want me too. It’s not even about the money. It’s about the competitor in you. That’s what’s important.’
AJ went on to discuss the pressure he is under. He said: ‘It comes with the business and it comes with the territory, I know that.’
Joshua went on to say: ‘I know when I am retired, I am gonna be chilling. I’m gonna be thinking f**k everyone. I am done.
‘You lot put so much pressure on me so when I am done, the chains are going to be gone. I am going to be laughing and loving life.’
