JERMAINE FRANKLIN has broken his silence following his hard-fought loss to Anthony Joshua.
The American suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the former two-time unified heavyweight champion at The O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Franklin turned in a dogged display and had some success with his counters and in the clinch, although the judges didn't favour his roughhouse tactics.
But the 989 Assassin was far from happy with his performance against the poster boy of British boxing.
He tweeted: "To fans/sponsor. I didn’t fight the fight I planned on fighting.
"One dream for @james_taylor_archy_ was made last night and my dream of being champ is on hold briefly."
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Franklin, 29, insists he'll use the lessons learned from his second professional defeat to spearhead himself to a world title.
He continued: "I learned so much last night. I will be back.
"Thank you UK fans. @989_assassin."
Franklin's tweet included a video of his ring walk with boxing mad youngester James Taylor Archy – who is battling cancer.
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The American showed his class by giving young James a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being behind the scenes during fight week.
And James' parents sent Franklin a heartfelt thank you message on Instagram.
The message read: "We would like to thank you for doing everything in your power to make James' night a truly special and unforgettable one making some beautiful memories.
"You didn't have to do anything at all. You are one amazing and unbelievable person with a heart of gold.
"Although you did not win, you will always be a winner and a champion to us.
"You're a true inspiration and hero. We wish you all the best in the future and hope you have a blessed journey."
Victory over Franklin saw Joshua snap a two-fight skid, which was inflicted on him by pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
In his post-fight interview, he said: "Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic so I'm calm.
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"I appreciate every single person coming out this evening.
"Inside this squared circle, it's a different type of energy in here so I apologise to anybody watching and seeing that type of stuff because we're sportsmen."
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