Watch Allen vs Browne on Saturday's O2 bill, including Chisora-Gashi, Josh Kelly & Joe Cordina, live on Sky Sports from 7pm.
Wednesday 17 April 2019 05:55, UK
Rising American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin would welcome a UK debut and is keeping a close eye on British duo David Allen and Derek Chisora this weekend.
The unbeaten 25-year-old sealed a points win over Rydell Booker at the weekend, bringing up his 18th straight victory on the undercard as Claressa Shields defeated Christina Hammer to become the undisputed middleweight champion in Atlantic City.
Promoter Dmitriy Salita has guided Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller towards his world heavyweight title fight against Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden on June 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and he believes Franklin would relish a fight against a UK opponent in the near future.
"Jermaine Franklin is the best young heavyweight on the scene," Salita told Sky Sports. "He did a great job against the very skilled and experienced Rydell Booker.
"There are lots of great fighters in the UK and we will be keeping a close eye on this weekend's fights with Derek Chisora and David Allen.
"Jermaine has the skills and heart of a champion and at some point would love to make a meaningful UK debut."
Allen battles former WBA champion Lucas Browne this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, while Chisora is facing a must-win fight against Senad Gashi on the same bill at The O2.
'White Rhino' has reeled off three successive stoppage wins and recognises a victory over the Australian would propel him up the rankings.
"Even though there's no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2," said Allen. "I've trained harder than ever for this fight and you'll all see the difference come fight night. I'm going to knock him out.
"A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there."
Watch David Allen against Lucas Browne on the O2 bill, including Derek Chisora versus Senad Gashi, Josh Kelly and Joe Cordina on Saturday, from 7pm on Sky Sports Action.
