Anthony Joshua put a hugely important tick next to fight number 28 as he returned to the O2 Arena with a win over Jermaine Franklin. 

There were ugly scenes in the aftermath as both teams squared up in an exchange that delivered more hostility than many of the rounds. For what we saw during the 12, well, it wasn’t quite vintage Joshua. 

He did assert his dominance from early, holding centre ring and throwing out his jab. The first big shot landed came in round two as Joshua landed a bruising straight right. 

And Franklin definitely felt it. 

But, perhaps awoken by the shot, the American came out with intent in the third. 

The static Franklin that ate Joshua’s early work was replaced by a fighter who threw in volume and moved neatly on his feet. Joshua did land a fierce uppercut in the fourth, whilst both men had success in the fifth. 

As the fight passed the halfway stage, Franklin looked as if his tank was beginning to empty. It made for some quality exchanges as the pair stood toe-to-toe and traded leather. 

Joshua did seem to be enjoying his time back in the ring and, akin to the vicious combination puncher of the past, he put together threes and fours to deter Franklin from lumbering forward. 

Joshua was warned of the threat Franklin carries, but any clean work from the visitor was met by clinches. It was a mild ending, and definitely not the one those in attendance were expecting from Joshua’s return. 

A post-fight scuffle will grab some headlines, but the majority of the news will be directed towards what Joshua’s future holds. At least he can sleep peacefully knowing Tony Bellew has his back.

Once again, though, Joshua put bums on seats and had the eyes of the boxing world locked in. His fights are events, and with the pedestal he is placed on, he is expected to deliver in both attitude and performance. 

So, what better way to deliver on attitude than to jump in with the man they say you cannot beat? Why not throw down the gauntlet to the one who has basked in your defeats? 

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua needs no sales pitch.

Of course, we have been here before - arbitration rulings, illogical deadlines and at times sheer stubbornness. It made for painful viewing. But maybe this time, more than any other, there is a corridor of possibility when it comes to delivering the biggest of them all.

For now, Joshua will have his time to reflect on what has probably been an unusual week back home. A new trainer, no belts, and a bigger point to prove, it was an O2 homecoming he never envisaged. 

But it is one that he navigated, and whether he laboured or flourished in victory, he got himself over the line. 

A quick word on Jermaine Franklin, who played a calm and collected adversary throughout his most high-profile fight week. From factory worker to headline heavyweight. That’s some story. 

A quick word on Jermaine Franklin, who played a calm and collected adversary throughout his most high-profile fight week. From factory worker to headline heavyweight. That’s some story. 

Joshua’s new dawn is definitely shrouded in question, but these are questions only the big boys will be able to draw answers from. Most importantly, Joshua is back in the win column, and the horizon will bring with it something huge. 

Let the talking begin.

Oscar Bevis