How to Watch Whyte vs. Franklin
JERMAINE FRANKLIN LOOKS FOR SIGNATURE VICTORY ON ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY IN LONDON AGAINST TOP CONTENDER DILLIAN WHYTE
“This is my chance to show that I can go toe-to-toe with any heavyweight in the world…I’m coming to finish him, so he better not be looking past me.”
LONDON – November 23, 2022 – Undefeated heavyweight and Salita Promotions-promoted contender Jermaine Franklin sent a stern warning to Dillian Whyte as he looks to stamp his credentials as a future world champion in their headlining clash this Saturday night taking place at Wembley Arena in London and streaming live on DAZN.
“This is my chance to show that I can go toe-to-toe with any heavyweight in the world,” said Franklin, who owns a perfect 21-0 record with 14 knockouts. “I’ve had a great training camp and I’m super motivated to be in the U.K. and win on my opponent’s home turf. I’m coming to finish him, so he better not be looking past me.”
Promoted by longtime contender and veteran promoter Dmitriy Salita since 2018, Franklin has worked his way into heavyweight contention with 2019 triumphs over Rydell Booker, Jerry Forrest and Pavel Sour, before most recently stopping Rodney Moore in May. Saginaw, Michigan’s Franklin has been one of many fighters from Michigan, including women’s boxing superstar Claressa Shields, who have been promoted by Salita and helped revive that area’s boxing scene. With a victory on Saturday night, Salita believes Franklin can solidify himself as one of the standouts from the area.
“Everybody knows that Jermaine has tremendous skill and heart, but they’re going to see him take it to another level against Dillian Whyte,” said Salita. “He’s been a big part of the comeback for boxing in Michigan and I truly believe that after Saturday night, he’s going to be one of the first guys you have to mention when talking about boxing in and around the area. The sky is the limit for him and I know that he’s doing everything possible to put on the best performance of his career in this fight.”
The 29-year-old Franklin will be looking to hand Whyte his second-straight loss after the London-resident dropped an April bout against WBC heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury. Although Franklin has made it clear that his focus is squarely on Whyte, he and his promoter both know that a triumph on Saturday could lead to a blockbuster clash against another notable U.K. heavyweight, former two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua.
“I’ve never looked past any fighter and I’m not going to start with Dillian Whyte,” said Franklin. “I know that nothing I want happens unless I go in there and be the fighter that I know I am. Anthony Joshua is another big name and everyone knows that’s who Whyte wants next. But I’m here to spoil his party and step right in there to add Joshua’s name to my resume as well. No one can deny me my shot after that.”
“Jermaine is more than worthy of this opportunity in front of him and he still hasn’t shown all his full potential as a fighter,” said Salita. “I strongly believe that he’s primed to really have a breakout night. After he shows what he can do against Whyte, everyone is going to want to see him against Anthony Joshua next.”
WHYTE VS. FRANKLIN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

Dillian Whyte

On teaming up with new trainer Buddy McGirt:

“Me and Buddy are cool. Buddy is a cool guy. We have a laugh and we have a joke. Buddy is an interesting guy. He tries to teach you and he doesn’t change your style. He learns your style and puts little things in your style to help make you better as a person. He asks what style you like, what punches you like and what fighters you like watching and then he has a look at you.

“He’s doesn’t say a lot. He just gets on to you about the same things over and over again. It’s a bit of a ball-ache sometimes but it’s good – you know what I mean? I’ve never really had a teacher. I’ve had good coaches – very good coaches – but there’s a difference between a coach and a teacher. Buddy is a coach and a trainer but he’s a teacher too. He teaches you little things.

“What he does is good and it’s really interesting. Because I’m a fighter where I’m strong and fit, physical and I look to be rough – I can punch. A lot of coaches just work on that. But Buddy does thing differently. He says you don’t need to chop the house down with one punch all of the time.”

On his approach to the Jermaine Franklin fight:

“I’ll approach this fight the same god damn way I approach every fight. You know me, I approach all of my fights with only one thing in mind, and that’s to try and end it.”

On a potential Anthony Joshua rematch:

“I don’t care about the Anthony Joshua fight now. I’m focused on Franklin. There’s been pressure in all of my fights. I weren’t even an ABA Champion. People forget I had seven amateur fights. I was out there selling tickets hours before I was due to fight. I’m not an Olympian and I was never on Team GB. Every fight for me has always been must-win my whole career. It’s just another I’ve got to deal with. I’ve become quite used to that. There’s pressure but okay great. I’ve gone and beat guys that I shouldn’t have beat.”

On becoming Heavyweight World Champion:

“I definitely want to become Heavyweight Champion of the World and I’d love to get the opportunity to avenge my two losses. I’ve already avenged one, I’d love to get the opportunity to avenge the other two.”

Jermaine Franklin

On his preparation in the UK:

“We flew over about three and a half weeks ago. I’m just getting some good work in, learning some stuff from World Champions. I pay attention to a lot of the little things. Little insights that will help improve my game.”

Do you punch hard enough to put a dent in Dillian Whyte?

“I most definitely punch hard enough. I just feel like everybody is sleeping on me. They don’t know what’s in store.”

On being the underdog with the bookies:

“This is boxing. I haven’t had that many top level fights in my career. I had a couple of layoffs. I’m about to prove what I can do.”

On targeting Dillian Whyte with an uppercut:

“I mean if it positions itself then I’m going to take it. That’s not the number one punch I’m looking for. I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s expecting. He’s expecting me to just come out there and throw and hail mary of upper cuts. I’ve got pretty good outside game too. Once I get my timing I’ve got pretty good outside game. Once I time the jab I’ll be alright, inside or outside.”

On the winner potentially fighting Anthony Joshua next:

“It’s a huge pot of gold but I’m laser focused on Dillian Whyte. I try not to think too far ahead into the future. I just like to handle the task that’s in front of me.”

Whyte vs. Franklin Betting Odds

Whyte vs. Franklin Odds




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