Anthony Joshua has been given instructions of what he needs to do inside the ring on Saturday night after his fight against Jermaine Franklin. The London 2012 Olympic Games gold medallist was WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight champion until Oleksandr Usyk beat him twice – the last coming in August last year.

Joshua, aged 33, takes on 21-1 heavyweight Franklin at the 02 Arena in London on Saturday night with his career in the balance. AJ said in the build-up to Franklin fight that a defeat would result in the former heavyweight world champion retiring.

However, a convincing victory could result in a huge British heavyweight clash against Tyson Fury – which would be a huge earner for both fighters. Former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch is convinced that Joshua will win on Saturday night and has then told him to call-out Fury.

“Anthony Joshua has to not only beat Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, he has to win in style,” said Froch in a column for BBC Sport. “A points win is not good enough. I want to see him get rid of Franklin early, stand in the ring and call out Tyson Fury. Fury-Joshua is still huge. A massive fight not just for British boxing but also on a global stage. A loss, and I think that’s the end for Joshua. Where does he go from there? But I don’t think that will happen.

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“This is a fight where Joshua can get the confidence back a bit. After consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, that’s what the big man desperately needs.” Fury called Joshua out for a fight straight after his defeat against Usyk last year – with the Gypsy King wanting a fight between the British heavyweights before Christmas.

Fury has been criticised for publicly mocking Joshua during their fight talks and making his rival ‘look like a p***y’ after AJ failed to publicly respond. The Gypsy King used the same tactic after months of fight negotiations with Usyk which finally broke down earlier this month.

Froch believes the breakdown of those talks could work in Joshua’s favour and a vicory over Franklin could result in the showdown. He added: “Fury’s in a position now where a lot of people are blaming him for that fight not happening. A few months ago he was being lauded and is now facing a lot of criticism because of the antics and things he said around the proposed Usyk fight, and even previous to that.

“Imagine if Fury now faces another Dillian Whyte or Derek Chisora-type opponent, nobody want’s to see that. I’m not saying a win against Franklin will automatically set up the Fury fight, but I would love to see a stern, clear call-out – ‘I want Tyson Fury next’.”

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