Those results marked much-needed wins for both Britons; by beating Franklin, Joshua bounced back from two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk, while Whyte was defeated by Tyson Fury in his previous fight.
Joshua’s first loss to Usyk, in September 2021, saw the 33-year-old lose the unified heavyweight titles, which Usyk retained in their rematch last August. The unbeaten Ukrainian won both contests on points. Meanwhile, Whyte was challenging Fury for the WBC heavyweight title last April, when he suffered a knockout loss to his compatriot.
If Joshua is able to overcome Whyte again, he is expected to face American Wilder in Saudi Arabia in December or early 2024.
Earlier on Thursday, it was announced that Usyk will defend the unified heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Poland on 26 August.
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