Anthony Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, defeated Jermaine Franklin by unanimous decision on Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London to resume his winning ways.
Despite controlling the fight against the tough American, the 33-year-old British-Nigerian heavyweight did not have the explosive early finish that many anticipated.
The two-time champion won the match by scores of 118-111, 117-111, and 117-111.
The British-Nigerian won the fight with his uppercuts, which caused the most damage, while Franklin bravely took all of Joshua’s blows and refused to fall.
After the final bell, the two fighters squared off, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security.
It is Joshua’s first victory in more than two years, following two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
“It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck-and-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out,” Joshua said.
“I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”
Since turning professional in 2013, Joshua has won 25 fights with 22 stoppages and lost three.
Franklin, 29, suffers his second defeat, having lost to Briton Dillian Whyte in November.