ANTHONY JOSHUA has warned Jermaine Franklin "there will be blood"in Saturday's showdown.
The Watford Warrior will bid to get back in the win column against the hard-hitting American at the O2 Arena following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
A third defeat on the trot will be curtains for Joshua's world title hopes, which he hopes to re-ignite by spilling the blood of Franklin.
The 33-year-old said: "I think we will see blood and I just really look forward to getting in there again.
"I’m so happy I’m fighting again because when you look at the champions now, it is just a shambles when you are trying to compete with mandatories and negotiations.
"Honestly I can't believe no fights have been made at championship level.
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"I am so happy I can get back to work, get on with my job and I am looking forward to this assignment.
"I can't wait honestly. I am really looking forward to it."
Franklin – who was robbed of a points victory over Dillian Whyte last November – and his team reckon they're getting their hands on AJ at the right time.
Joshua, however, insists that couldn't be any further from the truth, saying: "It is the worst time.
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"The more he talks, the bigger grave he digs for himself but it is what it is.
"I could say a lot of things about him but I respect my opponent.
"It is not for me to talk, it is for you to do all the talking and for me to do my job on Saturday.
"That is really honestly what I am focused on from round one to round 12.
"I am prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability, my counter-punching and all that type of stuff to definitely put a dent in Jermaine.
"But I am not here to talk, I am here to do what I have to do because I really want to win."
Joshua is all too aware he needs to get back in the win column in emphatic fashion if he's to convince fans he's still a force to be reckoned with in the division.
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The Olympic gold medallist said: "As he said, it is by any means necessary.
"We are just here to do a job. I respect my opponent and may the best man win.
"One thing he said is he started eating right for this camp, he’s dealing with someone who has been living right from the get-go.
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"I have been putting in work from the day I started this business.
"It’s going to be a good fight because he’s up against a real one, for sure."
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