Joshua 'will retire' if he loses to Franklin
British boxing star Anthony Joshua has vowed to retire if he loses to Jermaine Franklin on Sunday (AEDT).
Former WBO world champion Johnny Nelson had suggested Joshua should call time on his career if he loses for the fourth time, having already been defeated by Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk (twice).
And the 33-year-old confirmed he does intend to hang up his gloves if he is beaten by his American opponent at the O2 Arena in London.
"I will. I will retire if I lose. I'm not here to battle people. If people want me to retire I will retire," Joshua said.
"I'm not going to fight if people don't want me too. It's not even about the money. It's about the competitor in you. That's what's important."
Joshua said he would like to face Tyson Fury if the Gypsy King is unable to revive negotiations on a unification fight with Usyk, but also sounded as if he is looking forward to retirement and getting away from the pressure of elite boxing.
"It [pressure] comes with the business and it comes with the territory, I know that," he said. "I know when I am retired, I am gonna be chilling. I'm gonna be thinking f*** everyone. I am done.
"You lot put so much pressure on me so when I am done, the chains are going to be gone. I am going to be laughing and loving life."
