Tony Bellew dragged away from Franklin's team in wild ruckus after Anthony Joshua fight

Tony Bellew was allegedly involved in a post-fight altercation as chaos broke out after the final bell following Anthony Joshua's fight against Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena

09:25, 02 Apr 2023

[Tony Bellew became embroiled in a post-fight altercation at the 02 Arena]

Tony Bellew became embroiled in a post-fight altercation at the 02 Arena(Image: DAZNBoxing/Twitter)

Anthony Joshua apologised to boxing fans for the post-fight chaos that saw Tony Bellew allegedly embroiled in an altercation with a member of Jermaine Franklin's team.

There were ugly scenes at the final bell at London's 02 Arena on Saturday night after Joshua's comfortable but uninspiring 12 rounds that ensured his unanimous decision win over his limited American opponent.

Joshua was hoping for the explosive knockout that would help reignite his stalling career - but things only really kicked off after the final bell had sounded.

The pair almost came to blows at the end of the fight and had to be separated as tensions boiled over inside the ring.

There had been animosity with words exchanged in between rounds, and the fighters would not let go of each other after the final bell with one member of Franklin's team appearing to lunge at Joshua, who lost his cool.

Both corners rushed in to the rescue as AJ was held back by the referee and Franklin was also restrained by one of his team.

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And The Sun reports former WBC cruiserweight king Bellewwas involved ringside as a brief ruckus threatened to overshadow the contest.

An angry Bellew was seen walking off surrounded by security as he exchanged his own words with members of Franklin's team up in the ring.

Bellew had been on punditry duty for DAZN at the 02, and the streaming platform's commentator Mike Costello confirmed on air that the 40-year-old had been involved in the altercation.

Bellew returned to complete his post-fight media duties alongside Dillian Whyte and presenter Laura Woods, although the incident was not addressed.

[Bellew walked away from ringside after exchanging words with Franklin's team]

Bellew walked away from ringside after exchanging words with Franklin's team(Image: DAZNBoxing/Twitter)

The situation was eventually diffused and Joshua showed respect for Franklin after claiming his first victory in over two years.

"I appreciate every single person coming out this evening. Inside this squared circle, its a different type of energy in here," Joshua said.

"I apologise to anyone watching and seeing that type of stuff because were sportsmen. But I respect Jermaine, and I respect everyone here tonight."

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